The UK’s left-leaning government is facing increasing scrutiny for seemingly not taking seriously a rally attended by an estimated 70,000 people on Sunday, protesting against rising antisemitism and violence targeting Jews.
According to experts, the primary driver of the surge in British antisemitism originates in pro-Palestinian activism, which at times devolves into supporting Hamas, a movement designated as terrorist by the U.S. Hamas launched an invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the slaughter of approximately 1,200 individuals, including American and British citizens.
A survey commissioned by the U.K.-based Campaign Against Antisemitism, assessing British adults’ perceptions of Jews, revealed that “an astounding 21% of the British public affirmed , compared to 16% last year. In 2021, the figure was 11%.”
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism conveyed to Digital that, “The absence of a senior government representative from ‘Britain’s March Against ’ was disappointing. We contacted all major parties weeks ago to ensure the Jewish community would hear from high-ranking officials with relevant portfolios, at a time when antisemitism in Britain is at its highest levels in living memory. The opposition and Reform UK recognized the significance of this moment and responded by sending senior officials; the Government did not.”
The campaign’s spokesperson against antisemitism further added, “Instead, Labour procrastinated and, at the eleventh hour, offered a backbench peer, who could hardly be considered a representative of the government, let alone possess the authority of a senior minister. This fell considerably short of what was needed and anticipated. The choice not to send a proper representative was outrageous, and it will do nothing to reassure British Jews that this government supports them or even comprehends the gravity of the crisis.”
Britain’s Chief Rabbi Sir Efraim Mirvis addressed the protestors, stating: “These are dire times. We have witnessed an explosion of hatred across the UK. Antisemitism is rampant throughout the UK. You will see it. You will hear it. You will feel it. Britain, wake up now.”
According to the campaign’s representative, “Sunday’s March Against Antisemitism was a powerful display of unity, with an estimated 70,000 individuals taking to the streets of London to stand united against the record levels of antisemitism plaguing our country.”
An Israeli minister informed Digital last year that London is the
When questioned about whether British Jews should immigrate to, the spokesperson for the campaign organization responded, “Since October 7, 2023, half of British Jews have contemplated leaving the U.K. due to antisemitism, a figure that rises to two-thirds among young Jews. Only a third of the community believes Jews have a long-term future here. Jews should not be made to feel they must depart Britain to be safe. It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that our community can live proudly and securely in this country.”
Further exacerbating the challenges for British Jews was Keir Starmer’s appointment last week of Shabana Mahmood as his new Home Secretary — a position equivalent to America’s secretary of Homeland Security — who has been accused of inciting animosity towards the Jewish state through her anti-Israel activism.
Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., strongly denounced her appointment, writing “A far Left, Israel hating extremist is now the UK Home Secretary,” and included a link to a video of Mahmood participating in an anti-Israel protest.
Digital made multiple attempts to contact British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office for a comment. A spokeswoman confirmed she would respond but had not provided an answer by the time of publication. Starmer has faced criticism from Israel’s government for his state. Israel perceives this action as a reward for Hamas’ massacre on October 7.
The implications are significant for British Jews because large-scale demonstrations against Israel in the country have frequently given rise to antisemitism.
The has also chosen not to outlaw — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a stance that differs from the United States, Canada, and Australia. A British parliamentary report from July indicates that Iran’s regime is attempting to commit assassinations and abductions. The clerical regime utilizes the IRGC for its global terrorist and kidnapping operations.
The spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism cautioned, “British Jews are experiencing the most severe antisemitism we have ever documented. Our young people are being radicalized before our eyes, and hatred is spreading unchecked. At such a perilous time, the Jewish community needed to hear clearly from the government that it stands with us. Instead, the Prime Minister’s absence has caused British Jews to question whether this government is truly committed to confronting the hatred consuming our country.”