The Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, also put his name to the statement, which challenges in particular anti-Semitic criticism of Israel. The Christian and Jewish leaders acknowledge that criticism of any government, including that of Israel, is a legitimate part of democratic debate.

They insist, however, that such criticism should not extend to a denial of Israel's right to exist or serve as justification for attacks on Jewish people around the world.

The statement is unprecedented in its strength. The country's senior Christian and Jewish religious leaders have previously issued such joint statements at times of crisis such as just after the September 11 attacks in America and on the outbreak of war in Iraq. It is an indication of the depths of concern about increasing numbers of attacks on Jewish people and property and of how anti-Semitism has emerged in recent years in a new form, masquerading under the guise of anti-Israel rhetoric.

The religious leaders raise their concerns in a letter to The Times to mark Holocaust Memorial Day today. Dr Williams, Cardinal Murphy-OConnor and Dr Sacks describe the "healing and mutual respect" that has grown between Judaism and Christianity over the last 60 years.

Writing as joint presidents of the Council of Christians and Jews, founded in 1942 to combat religious and racial intolerance, they say the warm friendship between Britains Christian and Jewish leaders has "helped to set a tone for tolerance and respectful diversity across religious and ethnic boundaries in Britain."

But they continue: "Today, however, anti-Semitism is resurfacing as a phenomenon in many parts of the world. Incitement to hatred and actual violence against Jewish people has increased."

They acknowledge that Britain has not been as badly affected as other countries but say this country "has certainly not been immune". Figures out next month by the Community Security Trust are expected to show that such attacks have risen.

The religious leaders say that many in the Jewish community feel afraid. "We recognise that the suffering of the Jewish people is a stain on the history of Europe and our total rejection of anti-Semitism, amid evidence of its resurgence, is a signal that we will not permit it to stain our continents future as it has its past.

"Criticism of government policy in Israel . . . is a legitimate part of democratic debate. However, such criticism should never be inspired by anti-Semitic attitudes, extend to a denial of Israels right to exist, or serve as justification for attacks against Jewish people."

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• An officer and a gentle woman
• Dame Helen Mirren is worthy of the Epidaurus
• Foods that can help to prevent swine flu