Chief Rabbi: UK policy on Palestine ‘strengthens extremists in our midst’
Scathing remarks at Campaign Against Antisemitism demo in Parliament Square, where he was joined by the shadow home secretary and Reform UK's deputy leader
The Chief Rabbi has told thousands of demonstrators that the expected recognition of Palestine by Britain “strengthens extremists in our midst” as he stepped up his public condemnation of the move.
His comments came during Campaign Against Antisemitism’s third annual demonstration in Parliament Square, where he was joined by shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice.
The Government chose not to send a representative, leading to shouts of “traitors” from a few and the unfurling of a banner at the front of the crowd saying, “This stage has internationally been left blank.”
Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “Right now for the Jews of the UK these are awful times. Long before 7 October, antisemitism was spiralling and once Hamas launched their horrific attack we have seen an explosion of hatred. A government-backed report recently told us antisemitism has become normalised in middle class Britain.
“The Britain we have always loved is a great country which champions tolerance for one and all. That is the beauty we want to have in the future.”
After joining an 75-minute march from Marylebone past the BBC to Westminster, told the gathered crowds that recognition while Hamas is in charge of Gaza and continues to hold hostages “achieves one thing in the UK – it strengthens the hand of the extremists in our midst”.
The Chief Rabbi said: “We pray for each innocent person in the region… we vow to continue to do whatever we can for the hostages”.
With the words ‘Stand Up For Our Values’ emblazoned on the stage, CAA chief executive Gideon Falter earlier kicked off the rally welcoming the mix of British and Israeli flags at the event and led with a minute’s silence for the victims of the Hamas atrocities.
He listed just some of the antisemitic incidents seen in the UK in the last two weeks including synagogues being daubed with faeces and a rabbi’s home being defaced with a swastika.
“This is a wake up call because time is running out. We need this country to deal with incitement, we need enforcement of the law, we need proscriptions. It’s a simple recipe.”
He told the crowds that universities that students who set up encampments must be expelled and turned his ire on the BBC to huge applause: “There must be an independent probe into bias and brainwashing at the BBC . If what it takes is a suspension of the license fee then so be it.
“Put the Met into special measures, replace the commissioner. Whatever it takes but no more excuses. When people talk about tier policing it’s an accusation that rings true. Our country can still recover its greatness and if it does the Jewish community will still have a home here.”
Pointing to the statue of Winston Churchill nearby, Falter added: “This Britain is still Churchill’s island nation that stands for decency and reasonable debate. What would he make of Britain now? Britain, act against hate before it’s too late.”
Taking to the stage, Philp – a minister in the last Tory government that resisted calls to ban the Iranian Revolutionary Guards – said he was in no doubt the group should be banned. He also vowed to “eradicate” antisemitism.
He spoke of his shame and anger on hearing a friend in the US ask if he’d be safe walking the streets of London wearing a kippah. “The fact my friend had to ask that question has shown something has gone deeply wrong. We are here to say no more. You are not alone. I stand with you. We will end this evil.”
King’s student Tali Smus detailed how hostility to her as a result of being pro-Israel made her question whether to hide her Star of David.
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