The truth is that antisemitism surged in Britain after Hamas unleashed its assault on Israeli civilians in October 2023.
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The Community Security Trust, which tracks antisemitism in the UK, says attacks rose from 1662 in 2022 to 4296 in 2023. They eased a little to 2528 in 2024.
If the next tally shows another surge, Starmer will be under even greater pressure to show that his government can use its full authority to curb the hatred.
Jewish leaders say the problem is getting worse – although they should not need to say it because the Manchester attack is proof.
Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester chief executive Marc Levy said there had been “precious little solidarity” from many in society in the face of this antisemitism.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, offered a disturbing assessment.
“For so long, we have witnessed an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred on our streets, on campuses, on social media and elsewhere – this is the tragic result,” he posted on social media.
“This [was] not only an assault on the Jewish community, but an attack on the very foundations of humanity and the values of compassion, dignity and respect which we all share.
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“I pray that this tragedy strengthens our collective resolve to confront antisemitism, in all its guises, once and for all.”
The Manchester attack will have an impact far beyond the immediate debates. It will intensify the national anxiety about a changing Britain.
Those who march against migration, for instance, will no doubt point to al-Shamie as proof that migrants are bringing their hatreds and their wars into their new country.
Politicians have been saying for decades that migrants should leave foreign wars behind them when they arrive. They say this in Australia as much as in the United Kingdom, and their words are meant to reassure everyone that migration does not import conflict.
