Moral clarity, not platitudes, will keep British Jews safe
Visa removals and arrests matter, but without joined-up extremism policy, radicalisation continues unchecked in plain sight
As our Greater Manchester Jewish community continues to deal with the aftermath of the horrendous terrorist attack that targeted us all, we were further rocked by the atrocity in Sydney at Bondi Beach. This was then further compounded by the graphic details that emerged from Preston Crown Court as Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein were found guilty of targeting the Jewish community in what would have been the largest terrorist attack in UK history. Thankfully, their ambitions were thwarted due to the exceptional work of Greater Manchester Police.
I met the Home Secretary for the first time following the live press conference at which political leaders spoke to the nation. I then chaired the communal meeting with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, alongside our Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, Lord Mann and the Leader of Manchester Council, Bev Craig, amongst others. I have subsequently received correspondence from the Prime Minister detailing steps that have been taken to protect and reassure the Jewish community.
During our discussions with Cabinet Ministers and others, our Chief Executive, Marc Levy, obtained repeated reassurances that there was a determination to enact new legislation and ensure existing statute was properly applied to combat extremism and address antisemitism. Subsequently, issues have arisen, and we have requested action from the government. One example is the removal of Dr Shahdee Elmasry’s visa, preventing him from entering the UK ahead of his planned speaking engagements at three sold-out events across the country. This is an individual who has given voice to overt antisemitism and posted extremist content on social media.
It is right that the government took this step. It stands in stark contrast to the disgraceful behaviour of the Bridgewater Hall, which hosted Sheikh Alafasy, another foreign preacher who was responsible for egregious antisemitism and incitement. Given the terrorist who attacked Heaton Park Synagogue ‘followed’ ten accounts online, one of which belonged to the Sheikh, it is a fair assumption that the Heaton Park killer could have been at the venue that night and that the event formed part of his radicalisation journey. This is also the case for those cultural venues purely focused on financial gain that are prepared to allow those who embrace antisemitism and promote violence against Jews a platform. The fact these talks, events and concerts sell out and gather together thousands of young, impressionable individuals does not bode well for our future safety and security.
Whilst, in forbidding entry to the UK for Dr Elmasy, another extremist preacher has been prevented from radicalising young minds; this only tells half the story. The events he was due to lead were sold out and the hundreds of people who interact with this extremist remain in the UK. How can Eventbrite think it appropriate to let people purchase tickets on its platform to such an event? Would the Charity Commission have taken any meaningful action? Based on its historical lack of intervention, it seems unlikely, given its pathetic response to our complaint against the Bridgewater Hall.
We need tangible results and practical action to address the radicalisation taking place at pro-Palestinian marches, on social media and at places of worship. I regularly commend our inspirational Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson and Greater Manchester Police, who continue to set the standard by demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the challenges whilst presenting practical solutions to address our concerns. The Chief Constable’s recent pronouncement that anyone with a sign or chanting “Globalise the Intifada” would be arrested was an important development – and one the police, as a whole, should have been quicker to implement.
To those attending these marches where blatant antisemitism has never been addressed by organisers, you cannot be present when people chant to ‘globalise the intifada’ and morally absolve yourself when the intifada is globalised – as happened in Heaton Park. These chants are not abstract geopolitical critiques, but they are a rallying cry that normalises violence against Jews. One of the key takeaways from the meeting with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary was about the cumulative impact of these marches. They have been ongoing for two years, and the organisers would not even cancel the one in Manchester at the request of the police two days after the terrorist attack. The Prime Minister was right to term this “un-British”, and primary legislation is progressing to give authorities the power to enforce appropriate restrictions.
The world we live in means you are only ever three clicks away from finding antisemitism online. Platforms have become fertile ground for antisemitic propaganda, conspiracy theories and outright incitement. This is undoubtedly leading to people being radicalised in their homes. We therefore need a comprehensive strategy to address extremism both online and off. It is a threat not just to the Jewish community but to our whole democracy. There have been three reviews commissioned by successive governments, but a consolidated, streamlined and well-considered plan is now required, at speed, to stop this radicalisation journey. After all, the long-term solution cannot be to build ever higher fences and install yet more CCTV cameras.
What we now need is moral clarity. Islamist extremism must be named and explicitly confronted. There needs to be a reckoning with a renewed focus addressing previous failures. I have faith in our political leadership to enact the change that is required to combat this insidious hatred that, in turn, will ensure the UK can once again be considered a tolerant haven for our community.
- Mark Adlestone OBE is the Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
