Leeds City Council Launches First Antisemitism Awareness Week

Initiative aims to educate employees and partners on antisemitism

Leeds City Council has held its inaugural Antisemitism Awareness Week from 2 to 6 February 2026. The event forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to address discrimination and hate through education and engagement with its employees and citywide partners.

Programme of training and engagement sessions

Throughout the week, various teams within the council and partner organisations offered training sessions designed to deepen understanding of antisemitism. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and challenge antisemitic behaviour whenever it occurs.

One of the key sessions was delivered by Stop Hate UK, focusing on religious hate crime. This session explored the impact of such crimes on individuals and communities, the support available to victims, and the barriers that can prevent people from reporting incidents of hate crime.

Educational synagogue visit

In addition to training, council staff were given the opportunity to visit a synagogue. This visit provided a chance to learn more about Jewish faith, culture, and heritage, contributing to a broader understanding of the community’s history and contributions in Leeds.

Context within wider equality initiatives

Antisemitism Awareness Week complements other awareness events organised or supported by Leeds City Council throughout the year. These include weeks dedicated to addressing anti-Muslim prejudice, misogyny, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and racism.

Statements from council and community representatives

• Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council: He highlighted the importance of the week in building understanding of antisemitism, noting the rise of such incidents. He also acknowledged the longstanding presence and contributions of the Jewish community in Leeds to the city’s social, economic, and cultural life.
• Susie Gordon, Leeds Jewish Representative Council: She emphasised the week as an opportunity for people across Leeds to learn about antisemitism and its effects. She also expressed gratitude to the Board of Deputies for supporting the initiative and to the council for coordinating the programme with partner organisations.

The council continues to encourage open conversations and education to combat discrimination and hate in all its forms.