Cabinet minister expresses worry about rising anti-Semitism in Great Britain

A senior British government minister has told Jewish leaders of his concern over reports of a steep rise in anti-Semitism. In a meeting with the Board of Deputies, the representative body of British Jews, Home Secretary David Blunkett said that it was important for all such incidents to be reported. He added that the Home Office was investigating ways to combat incitement by exploring the possibility of outlawing hate material on the internet. The talks followed the submission of evidence by the board and the Community Security Trust, a body dedicated to the protection of Jews in the country, to a parliamentary inquiry into Terrorism and Community Relations. While emphasizing that ordinary Muslims should not be stigmatized by the actions of a few extremists, the delegation expressed concerns over an ambiguous view held by some Muslim groups in regard to terrorism.