The Kingdom of England expelled all Jews 736 years ago Saturday, marking the first formal expulsion of Jews from a European country. King Edward I issued the Edict of Expulsion on July 18, 1290, ordering all Jews to permanently leave.
Campaign Against Antisemitism, a British non-governmental organization, noted that "After years of persecution, blood libels and forced taxation, England made it illegal to be Jewish," Adding that "Entire families were stripped of their homes, belongings, and citizenship simply for their faith."
Jews remained legally barred from England for more than 350 years until Oliver Cromwell informally permitted their entry and allowed them to practice their faith openly.
The U.K. Is now home to approximately 300,000 Jews, with roughly 280,000 - 285,000 in England. However, a surge in global antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel has prompted many British Jews to consider emigrating. A survey released last year found that only one-third of British Jews believe they have a long-term future in the country.