Richard Manville, a 70-year-old Jewish man who has lived in the United Kingdom his entire life, is leaving the country after more than three decades in the same home in Greater Manchester. He had expected to spend his retirement there, but says rising antisemitism has left him feeling unsafe and forced him to reconsider his future.

Manville says his sense of security has steadily declined since the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. He points to recent violent incidents targeting Jewish people, including fatal attacks in Manchester and north London, as well as hostile language at some demonstrations. He describes living in a constant state of anxiety and no longer feeling safe walking in his own neighbourhood.

Data from a Jewish community security organisation shows antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom reached record levels in 2023 and have remained high מאז. A recent survey suggests about one in five British Jews have considered leaving the country due to antisemitism. Although Israel remains in conflict, Manville says he believes the risks there feel more predictable than the uncertainty he now feels at home.

Next week, Manville, his wife and their dog will leave behind the home where they raised their children and built their lives. He calls the decision heartbreaking, but says feeling safe is essential to having a life.