Jewish organisations unite to announce single major event to oppose antisemitism
News comes after original announcement of two separate events on the same day: 'To anyone trying to divide the community, our response is one of unity'
Jewish communal organisations have united behind a single combating antisemitism event to take place on Sunday 10 May, after initial confusion when two separate events where announced for the same day, just an hour apart.
Earlier this week, Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) announced “Britain’s March Against Antisemitism and Extremism”, to take place in central London on Sunday 10 May at 2pm. However, shortly afterwards the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Jewish Leadership Council announced they would be holding a “Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism” rally in central London, on Sunday 10 May at 1pm, supported by both Stop the Hate and UJIA, with CST in attendance.
Jewish News reported on Tuesday that efforts were being made between the two groups to reconcile any differences and form a united front; today, an official joint event has been announced, incorporating the Board, JLC and CAA, as well as all the main UK denominations of Judaism and leading charities and groups including UJS, World Jewish Relief, Stop the Hate, UJIA and the London Jewish Forum.
In a statement from CAA, the organisation said: “Following weeks of arson attacks, from the firebombing of synagogues to the burning down of ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity, there will be an opportunity to hear a response from Jewish community organisations, denominational leaders, and CAA on 10 May at 13:00, at the “Extinguish Antisemitism” event being held to rally the Jewish community and its allies at a Central London location. The organisers will release the location in due course. Please do join us there.
“The rally, organised by the Board of Deputies and JLC was called on Monday. We had also announced a march against antisemitism and extremism, because we and many of our non-Jewish allies believe that Britain has become radicalised and the authorities have utterly failed to stand up for British values. The two plans reflect the strength of feeling in the community and the urgency to make our voices heard, but the two events presented a diary clash.
“The two events also had different plans and messaging, and it makes no sense to try to do everything we had planned for the “Deradicalise Britain” march as well as the Board of Deputies and JLC’s rally in one afternoon, so we are backing their rally and postponing our march to a future day with their support. We are looking forward to joining the Board of Deputies and the JLC’s “Extinguish antisemitism” event.
“To anyone trying to divide the community, our response is one of unity.”
A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said:
“We are grateful to all our partners for agreeing to come together to confront a shared threat with an important statement of unity. We recognise that a number of organisations have adapted their plans to make this happen and that is very much appreciated.”
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