Thousands gathered outside Downing Street for one of the largest pro-Jewish rallies in London history, where campaigners attributed record levels of antisemitic incidents to national radicalization, labeling it a ‘British intifada’ or ‘Britifada.’
Campaigners Highlight Escalating Threats
Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, addressed the crowd, stating: “This country is now in the grip of a British intifada: what today we should call it the Britifada. The intifada hasn’t just been globalised: it’s been localised here in Britain. Jews stabbed. That’s the Britifada. Murder on Yom Kippur. That’s the Britifada. Synagogues ablaze. That’s the Britifada. Hatzola ambulances pelted with rocks and torched. That’s the Britifada. Jewish children nearly mown down in a car ramming. That’s the Britifada. The attacks are coming thick and fast now. Because Britain has become radicalised.”
The rally follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to do “everything in my power” to protect the Jewish community, though many report feeling unsafe. Campaign Against Antisemitism noted that after murders at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, protesters continued calling to ‘Globalise the intifada’ without consequence, while supporters of Britain’s Jews faced abuse and arrests amid ‘Free Palestine’ demonstrations. The group demands concrete actions over rhetoric.
Wave of Recent Attacks
Last month, two Jewish men suffered stab wounds in Golders Green, a predominantly Jewish area in north London. This incident followed arson attacks on four Hatzolah ambulances, fires at synagogues, and a fatal shooting at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur in October, claiming the lives of Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
The event coincides with recent local elections, where Reform UK and the Greens secured notable wins, fueling demands for Prime Minister Starmer’s resignation.
Leaders Sound Alarm
Keith Black, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, warned: “For two-and-a-half years we have warned about the staggering rise in antisemitism in this country. Yet, antisemitism in Britain is not just rising, it is escalating into deadly acts of violence and terror.”
Disturbing Polling Data
Recent surveys show 45% of Britons believe Israel treats Palestinians like Nazis treated Jews. Nearly half of 18- to 24-year-olds feel uncomfortable around those supporting Israel openly, with only 31% agreeing Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish homeland. Alarmingly, 10% of young people view Hamas favorably, 14% oppose classifying it as a terrorist group, and nearly one fifth justify the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage, igniting global antisemitism.
Voices of Experience and Support
Mervyn Kersh, a 101-year-old Jewish D-Day veteran who helped liberate Bergen-Belsen in 1945, stated: “Antisemitism reveals diseased minds and corrupt societies, and it eventually leads to the Holocaust.”
Boy George sent a video message, ing regret for missing the rally: “Not only for those amazing Jewish people, but also people who support their Jewish friends. People like me keep being thanked for speaking up for Jewish people. I don’t want to be thanked for doing what is right. I have so many Jewish friends and know some would be there, but even if I don’t know you, I send you my love, and I hope we send a powerful message to the entire world.” He had previously shared being moved to tears by the Golders Green stabbings of Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, and faced online backlash for his support.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey received cheers, while Labour’s Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden faced jeers. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice earned applause, declaring: “The scourge of antisemitism has been allowed to flourish in our beloved country and we have to say we are sick and tired of warm words from waffly politicians.”
