Hundreds join Brighton march demanding action on antisemitism and hostage return

More than 200 Jewish and pro-Israel supporters marched through Brighton city centre yesterday, in what organisers described as a defiant response to the increasingly hostile environment facing Jewish residents since October 7th.

The “March Against Extremism” demonstration, co-ordinated jointly by direct action groups Jewish & Proud and Sussex Friends of Israel, drew participants from across the region as community leaders report a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Brighton.

Jewish residents describe feeling increasingly isolated and unwelcome in a city they have called home for generations.

Jewish groups from London, led by Stop The Hate & Our Fight, travelled to Brighton to show solidarity with local organisations.

Together, the participants marched to demand immediate government action on anti-Jewish racism and the release of hostages who have now spent 661 days in Hamas captivity.

Vicky Bhogal, founder of Jewish & Proud said: “The turnout yesterday was incredible and shows that Brighton’s Jewish community will not be intimidated.”

She added: “We’ve witnessed a disturbing pattern of incidents that have left our community feeling under siege. This march was our way of saying we will not be driven from our streets or silenced, and the response proves we are not alone.”

Max from Stop the Hate said: “The turnout yesterday wasn’t just about Brighton – it was about standing together as a community across the country. When Jewish communities face hostility anywhere, we all feel it. Our presence here sent a clear message that we won’t be intimidated or divided.”

Since 7 October, Brighton’s Jewish community has documented numerous antisemitic incidents, including vandalism, harassment and assault. Community leaders report that many Jewish residents now avoid displaying symbols of their faith or identity in public spaces where they previously felt safe.

A spokesperson from Sussex Friends of Israel said: “The situation has deteriorated to the point where Jewish families are questioning whether Brighton remains a place where they can live openly and safely. We marched not just for ourselves, but for the principle that no community should face this level of hostility in modern Britain.”