‘Unite against Zionist terrorists!’ car convoy began in Bradford and Oldham
Video obtained by Jewish News shows one of the organisers of the Convoy 4 Palestine urging "Shia and Sunni" to unite "against Zionist". Four people were later arrested.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Passengers among the convoy of cars that hurled sick antisemitic abuse and rape threats while waving Palestinian flags in London on Sunday travelled down to the capital from cities across northern England earlier that same day, police have discovered.
Video seen by Jewish News shows one of the organisers of the Convoy 4 Palestine event in Bradford urging both “Shia and Sunni” Muslims to “come together as one and let the world know you will stand for the violence and brutality happening to the Palestinians”.
At one stage he tells viewers: “We are not against the Jews – we are against the Zionist terrorists … they are terrorists brutally attacking our people.”
The man adds: “This is your opportunity to stand up for the people of Palestine. I urge you guys to please come together, do not miss this opportunity.”
There is no suggestion the man in the video is one of the four men arrested by police on Sunda after footage emerged of what appeared to be threats being made to harm from passengers in the convoy as they drove through the Finchley Road.
Police are also believed to be looking into the link between an organisation named Palestine Forum in Britain (PFB) and the convoy protest.
During the Convoy 4 Palestine video recording a male confirms that the convoy “in support of our brothers and sisters who have been oppressed for too long” left the city of Bradford at 9am on Sunday, before stopping off in Sheffield and Leicester to meet other supporters on the journey down to London.
Jewish News understands that vehicles registered in the cities of Preston and Oldham have also been linked to the convoy by police investigating yesterday’s incidents, which were condemned by both Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer.
Utterly disgusting. Antisemitism, misogyny and hate have no place on our streets or in our society. There must be consequences. https://t.co/a1asCAF9Ep
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 16, 2021
The man in the video also stressed: “Violence will not be tolerated. You are no better than them Zionist terrorists if you start fighting.”
He reassures those joining the convoy that security will also be provided for those taking part in the event.
The poster for Sunday’s event also reveals there was a demonstration planned to take place on Westminster Bridge at 2pm.
On Sunday evening police confirmed they had arrested four men on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences after stopping a car at approximately 18:30 pm on the A40 in Hillingdon.
Police had earlier received reports of people shouting antisemitic abuse from a car travelling within a convoy of vehicles through the St John’s Wood area in the afternoon.
The four men were taken into custody at a west London police station where they remain.
Superintendent Jo Edwards, in charge of the policing operation, said: “This behaviour was utterly shocking and will not be tolerated. I understand that this would have caused considerable concern within the community and we have arranged extra patrols in the St John’s Wood and Golders Green areas this evening.”
Jewish News had learned that two vehicles who joined the convoy were found to be untaxed after police discovered their number plates.
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