Prominent British Muslims call for ‘robust challenging of antisemitism’ in their community

A group of prominent British Muslims have published an open letter calling on Muslim communal and religious leadership “to be more robust in challenging antisemitism whenever and wherever it appears in our communities”.

The letter, spearheaded by Sara Khan, the former government counter-extremism commissioner and published in The Times today, calls for Muslim lay and spiritual leaders “to openly support those Muslims who are working to strengthen Jewish engagement but find themselves intimidated by other Muslims who are hostile to such important work. To demonstrate how Islam’s rich tradition encourages dialogue and bridge-building, as opposed to bridge-burning advocated by those who despise Jews.”

Other signatories include Dr Shiraz Maher, leader the international centre for the study of radicalisation at King’s College London, Fiyaz Mughal, founder of Muslims Against Antisemitism and Tell Mama, Islamic scholar and theologian Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan, and chaplain Imam Asim Hafiz.

“We as British Muslims hear you, the letter begins. “Antisemitism in the UK has worsened dramatically since October 7, 2023. On one side, the drumbeat has been raucous and relentless; on the other, the response has been weak and underwhelming. This cannot go on.”

It goes on to describe how “We have watched with alarm how legitimate protest has been used by some to normalise slogans, symbols and rhetoric that glorify violence. Sometimes it is explicit but more often is messaged through a series of subtle codes: a refusal to condemn; an equivocation or equivalence; triangle hand-signs; gliding parachutes and endless placards with antisemitic imagery and tropes.

“This is unacceptable and inexcusable — as it would be with any other form of racism or bigotry. This includes assigning collective responsibility of Jews for the actions of the Israeli government.”

It goes on to describe some of the attacks the Jewish community has faced, including the Heaton Park terror attack last year, as well as recent firebombings and direct attacks on Jews.

“The scale and intensity of attacks against the British Jewish community is horrifying”, the letter says. “But so is the silence and lack of condemnation. After the shocking murder of George Floyd in the US, widespread protests and solidary demonstrations occurred across our own country. Hundreds of thousands participated in more than 260 towns and cities. Yet when our own fellow citizens, colleagues and friends are attacked, murdered and intimidated, no such solidarity is offered. This only adds to the anxiety and fear of our Jewish neighbours.

“No other community endures the indignity of private security outside almost all of its communal buildings, places of worship or, perhaps most appallingly, schools. It is unconscionable and intolerable. These attacks on Jews also undermine our collective social values and the contract which underwrites our society. Indeed, the Jewish experience provides a great example for our own community of successful integration: loyal, committed, but also distinct.”

The letter goes on to stress the need “to face uncomfortable realities. It is tempting to explain away the current crisis as an aberration inflamed by the privations of current conflicts in the Middle East. That belies the facts.

“The existence of antisemitic hate among the far right and far left cannot be disputed. Neither can the hate from some of our fellow co-religionists. Evidence has repeatedly shown how those involved in acts of Islamist terrorism and violence also harbour hatred for Jews.”

The signatories call on the government to “lead the way”, saying authorities “should close the gaps in legislation which permit glorification of terrorism and incite hatred as identified in the official report Operating with Impunity.

“The criminal justice system needs to adopt a swifter response towards those breaking existing laws. Social media companies should adopt a zero-tolerance policy against antisemitism and enforce their existing standards which too frequently does not occur. Priority for interfaith and cohesion projects should be given to those skilled and able to encourage dialogue where anger and hatred exists.”

The letter ends by addressing British Jews directly, saying:

“We say to our Jewish friends and neighbours: we see you, we hear you and we are with you. We see the community attacked, targeted and intimidated. As your fellow citizens, we stand with you against the antisemitic hate you face.

“We stand with you not just for you — though you have our unqualified support — but also to save our democracy whose values and system are under assault from the same dark forces which target you.”