England’s West Midlands Police (WMP) failed to properly investigate several hate crimes targeting the Jewish community in Birmingham, internal documents show. The official negligence—including that following an attack on a minor—has triggered political and community outrage.
While the force denies allegations of institutional failure, a dossier leaked to the press by an insider shows how WMP rejected or ignored multiple reports of antisemitic incidents filed by members of the local Jewish community. These included an assault on a 12-year-old girl who was punched and kicked while attackers shouted “Free Palestine,” leaving her in need of medical treatment.
Following the incident, the family left the city, citing a loss of confidence in the protection provided by both the police and the girl’s school.
The report also alleges that the police’s Prevent unit failed to take effective action after receiving complaints about WhatsApp groups circulating Hitler-related hate speech and antisemitic incitement. In another case, the unit dismissed concerns over extremist material displayed at a pro-Palestinian demonstration, including slogans stating that the Palestinian resistance’s military action on October 7 was justified—language critics say amounted to an endorsement of Hamas terrorism.
Several politicians and community leaders argue the pattern of incidents points to “institutional anti-Semitism” and are calling for a complete overhaul of police leadership.
West Midlands Police formally deny deliberately failing to investigate any hate crime reports. The controversy has been ongoing for weeks, with senior officers also facing political pressure over an earlier decision involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, a move that further eroded trust both within affected communities and in parliament. The local police chief has since resigned.
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