Passengers on tram praised for challenging man’s antisemitic tirade

The Community Security Trust has thanked passengers on a Manchester tram who challenged a man haranguing an Orthodox couple about Israeli action in Gaza.

CST paid tribute to those who took issue with the man’s constant questioning of the seated Charedi couple on Thursday evening, after he asked them if they “know about the situation in Gaza”.

The man, who was filmed wearing a cap, appeared inebriated and told fellow passengers that he was “from Palestine,” but was strongly challenged by three other tram users for his decision to question the Orthodox couple about Gaza.

At one point the abuser called the Orthodox man “rabbi” and asked how his questioning the couple about Gaza could be an inflammatory question.

CST director Mark Gardner said the instance was sadly familiar to Britain’s Jews.

“This is one blatant example of Jews being told to answer for the situation between Israel and Gaza,” he said. “In a sense it is no different to the way that many Jews feel treated within political parties, on campus, or perhaps from work colleagues.”

He added: “We should also note the way in which members of the public stood up and said it was unacceptable. This is what needs to happen – making antisemites feel the pressure, rather than their victims.”

The expletive-laden encounter was filmed by a woman who said she was also Jewish, and after several minutes of confrontation, the incident ended with the capped man leaving the tram.

Watch the video here, *Caution – strong and offensive language*: