Non- denominational Xmas songs at Rhyme Time in the St Neots library this morning. I wore my fake antlers and I smiled and laughed and engaged with 28 children and 27 parents and grandparents.

When I arrived at the library two of the librarians rushed up to hug me and commiserate. I truly appreciated their care and concern and solidarity. One of the grandpas at the session talked with me before the singing. I explained my background and he, a retired police offer, spoke of the tragedy at Bondi.

Later, in Waitrose, two u3a walkers sought me out and sympathised – one of them asking, “what is wrong with people – why can’t we live in peace?” The sixty four million dollar question. We talked about antisemitism (the husband had worked for a Jewish company until his retirement). I told them that my initial sadness has turned to anger. I am angry at the weakness of our elected leaders. I am angry that they betray one small minority for the sake of political correctness and votes. I put up with prejudice in my childhood (see my book Jews Milk Goats) but I won’t accept it now. I’m too old, it won’t help to hide and it isn’t right. Antisemitism is not acceptable and I’m sick of Jews having to take extra precautions at schools, in places of worship, at youth clubs, on public transport, in their shops and restaurants and being banned from cultural spaces or vilified from the mouths of so-called musicians. Keep quiet if you want but I’m sick of being “nice”.