Campaign group 38 Degrees publishes hundreds of solidarity messages to British Jews
EXCLUSIVE: More than 500 supporters responded after anti-antisemitism appeal sent to organisation’s huge database
Campaigning organisation 38 Degrees has published hundreds of messages of solidarity with the Jewish community following recent antisemitic attacks in Britain.
The group emailed its database of supporters, calling for people to stand with British Jews and speak out against antisemitism, receiving 518 responses.
Among the messages were: “We stand with you, shoulder to shoulder”, “You are not alone. You are respected”, and “We must not let hate tear us apart.”
In a statement to Jewish News, 38 Degrees chief executive Matthew McGregor said the organisation felt compelled to act following what he described as a “terrible spike in antisemitism”.
“The Jewish community has faced a terrible spike in antisemitism over the last few years, and the recent attacks make that all the more outrageous,” he said.
“The community wants action, not just words. We’re campaigning for action, but we also know that words matter too.
“38 Degrees supporters come from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. Hundreds shared messages of solidarity with the Jewish community after our last supporter email highlighted the crisis of antisemitism and the need for action.
“After reading through them all, and seeing the clear outpouring of love and support from so many ordinary people across the country represented, we decided we had to pass a selection on to your readers.”
McGregor said many contributors had carefully considered how best to express solidarity.
“The words we got were so warm,” he said. “I got the sense that supporters weren’t always sure how to phrase something, but every message was clearly heartfelt and full of love.”
He added that the initiative had also prompted wider discussions among supporters about antisemitism and allyship.
“The whole thing has also sparked discussion with supporters about what antisemitism is, how people can be upstanders, not just bystanders, and what more supporters can do,” he said.
“Those conversations matter too, and we’ve been heartened that it has sparked so much thinking.”
38 Degrees described the initiative as part of a wider effort to encourage supporters to stand against antisemitism and support the Jewish community.
It comes amid continuing concern over rising antisemitism in Britain since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the war in Gaza.
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