Concerns grow as communities call for leadership, security and reassurance

JEWISH communities in Wales and across the United Kingdom are facing a deeply worrying rise in antisemitic threats and incidents, placing institutions, families and children at increasing risk.

Synagogues, Jewish schools and community centres are operating under heightened security as fear grows within communities. Parents are increasingly anxious about their children travelling to and from school, while congregations are questioning whether they can worship safely. Community leaders warn that the situation is no longer theoretical — it is a present and escalating concern.

In Cardiff, a man travelling from Manchester was recently detained after allegedly attempting to target Cardiff Reform Synagogue, an incident that sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community and highlighted the seriousness of the threat environment.

Denise Kingsley-Jones, speaking on behalf of The Olive Trust Wales, said: “Our Jewish institutions are at stake. Synagogues require protection, Jewish children should not grow up fearing abuse or violence, and families should not feel unsafe simply by living openly as Jews. The level of anxiety in our communities is profound and escalating.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, concerns have been raised about a lack of visible reassurance and public leadership. Community representatives say there has been no clear proactive response from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, nor a direct public statement from the First Minister of Wales specifically addressing the safety of Jewish communities at this time.

At a recent private meeting, Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt reportedly assured community representatives that security would be treated as a paramount concern. While that reassurance was welcomed, campaigners say it must now be matched by visible action, sustained engagement and public accountability.

Leaders warn that antisemitism is not solely a Jewish issue but a threat to democratic values, social cohesion and the safety of minority communities across the UK. They argue that silence, delay or minimisation risks emboldening those who seek to intimidate and harm.

The Olive Trust Wales is calling on political leaders, statutory bodies and law enforcement agencies to:

• Publicly acknowledge the severity of antisemitic threats
• Reassure Jewish communities through clear statements and action
• Ensure robust, properly funded security for Jewish institutions
• Demonstrate zero tolerance for antisemitism in all its forms

Community representatives say Jewish people should not have to question whether they are safe, stressing that they have the right to live, worship and educate their children without fear.

For antisemitism awareness and training for public services, third sector organisations and corporate bodies, contact Denise Kingsley-Jones at The Olive Trust Wales.

Campaigners call for delay amid Welsh language investigation and rising pupil numbers

PARENTS and campaigners have urged Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet not to recommend the closure of Ysgol Llansteffan when members meet on Monday (Feb 23).

The appeal comes ahead of a proposed decision that could see the village’s Welsh-medium primary school close in August this year.

The Ysgol Llansteffan Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), supported by Cymdeithas yr Iaith, has written to councillors calling for the process to be halted, arguing that key evidence remains incomplete and that the case for closure is flawed.

Among their concerns is an ongoing investigation by the Welsh Language Commissioner into the language impact assessment used to support the closure proposal. Campaigners say it would be inappropriate for the council to make a final decision before the investigation is concluded.

They also claim no council decision-makers have visited the school to verify the information used in the proposal, despite significant changes in circumstances, including a rise in pupil numbers to 17 as of January 2026.

The PTA argues that this increase undermines earlier projections and raises questions about the reliability of longer-term forecasts used to justify closure.

Financial concerns have also been raised. While council documents suggest annual savings of around £112,000, campaigners say transport costs of approximately £50,000 per year and inflationary pressures have not been clearly accounted for, potentially overstating the net benefit.

Parents say closure would remove parental choice and risk damaging Welsh-medium education in the area by forcing some children to travel further or potentially move into English-medium provision.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith has backed the PTA’s call, warning that the council’s objection report failed to properly address concerns that insufficient school capacity elsewhere could push pupils out of Welsh-medium education altogether.

Campaigners have also criticised what they describe as factual inconsistencies in the council’s reports, including outdated enrolment figures and conflicting capacity estimates for neighbouring schools.

The PTA has asked the council to defer any decision until updated data is available, the Commissioner’s findings are published, and alternative options for sustaining the school have been fully explored.

In their letter, parents stressed they remain willing to work constructively with the council to develop a long-term solution that would allow the school to remain open as a sustainable Welsh-medium provision for the community.

Carmarthenshire County Council has previously said the proposal is intended to address falling pupil numbers, high surplus places and financial pressures at the school. Cabinet members were told earlier in the process that neighbouring Ysgol Llangain would have sufficient capacity to accommodate pupils if the closure proceeds, and that transferring learners would provide access to improved facilities and help ensure long-term sustainability of education provision in the area.

The final decision is expected to be taken by full council in March following the Cabinet’s recommendation.

Live country music night promises fun for all at village hall

A NIGHT of country music, dancing and Western-style fun is coming to Broad Haven next month as the Havens Hoedown rolls into the village hall.

The event, taking place on Friday, March 20, will feature live music from local band Red Skies, along with line dancing and a relaxed, social atmosphere aimed at bringing the community together.

Doors open at 7:00pm, with music starting at 8:00pm. Organisers are encouraging attendees to embrace the theme, with cowboy hats and boots very much welcome on the night.

As well as the live entertainment, honky tonk shots will be available to purchase, and the evening will follow a bring-your-own format for other drinks.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 and are available from Broad Haven Post Office, or by contacting the organisers via email or Facebook.

Event organisers said the hoedown is designed to be a fun, inclusive night out for residents across the Havens and surrounding communities.

They added: “We wanted to create something a bit different — a lively evening where people can enjoy great music, have a dance, and spend time together locally without needing to travel far.”

The Havens Hoedown is expected to be popular, and early ticket purchase is advised.