Dyfed-Powys logs 17 anti-Jewish crimes in 2025

Residents of the Dyfed-Powys region recorded 17 crimes classified as anti-Jewish in 2025. This figure represents a rise from 12 incidents in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 42%. The data comes from a Freedom of Information disclosure provided by Dyfed-Powys Police. These numbers reflect only the specific policing area and do not cover the entire nation of Wales.

The Jewish population in Wales remains small. The 2021 UK Census counted 2,044 people in Wales who identified as Jewish by religion. This group makes up roughly 0.07% of the national population of 3.1 million. Most of these residents live in Cardiff, which hosts two synagogues. A Chabad synagogue also serves the town of Llandudno. Smaller community groups exist in other cities across the country.

Professor Nathan Abrams, a scholar of Welsh Jewry at Bangor University, notes that the small size of the community does not stop hostility. He stated that the absence of Jews in Wales has not meant the absence of antisemitism. Abrams said the fascination the Welsh hold with Jews is inversely proportional to the actual numbers. He argued that this dynamic often leads to persistent negative attitudes despite the lack of a large visible population.

Wider national statistics often obscure local realities. Welsh police recorded 6,157 hate crimes between April 2025 and March 2026. Of these, 325 were motivated by religion. However, these police figures do not break down the specific religion targeted. The Community Security Trust separately recorded 25 antisemitic incidents geographically associated with Wales in calendar year 2025. This count included 13 in North Wales, 8 in South Wales, and 2 each in Dyfed-Powys and Gwent.

Community representatives have reported growing anxiety. The Welsh Local Government Association met with Jewish leaders to discuss these tensions. Representatives described routine verbal abuse and concerns for children in schools. Some people have changed their behavior in public to avoid identifying as Jewish. The South Wales Jewish Representative Council said the community is resilient but shaken by the recent rise in hostility.

Abrams described the forms of antisemitism in Wales as similar to those in England. He noted that much of the hostility occurs on social media and coalesces around the Israel-Palestine conflict. He referenced the concept of ambient antisemitism, where actions like ripping down posters create an uncomfortable environment. Abrams said this type of pressure does not always involve physical harm but makes it difficult for Jews to feel at ease being themselves in public.

Political sentiment in Wales often influences these attitudes. Plaid Cymru, a left-leaning nationalist party, holds an official stance critical of Israel and supportive of Palestine. Abrams observed that antisemitism in the region often involves people who do not believe they are being hostile. He said many are well-meaning but cross a line by repeating age-old tropes. He noted that outside major cities, the hostility often comes from older, white, middle-class individuals who view the issue through a specific political lens.