Save the date: Manchester community to march against antisemitism

The Manchester Jewish community is planning a solidarity march against antisemitism at 14.00 on the 21st January 2024.

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester (JRC), say the event is a declaration that the community is “strong, united, determined and will neither hide away nor be silent”.

The JRC will be working in close consultation with a range of communal partners in addition to the Community Security Trust, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council.

In a statement seen by Jewish News, the JRC adds: “Since the 7th October terrorist atrocities, the Jewish community has endured an unprecedented surge in antisemitic hate crime. Across the UK, Jewish people have had to contend with widespread calls for the genocide of Jews, violence against individuals, threats, intimidation and desecration of property.This has led to our community declaring that we are strong, united, determined and we will not hide away or be silent.

“At 1400 on the 21st January, the Jewish community will be marching through central Manchester as proud British Jews. In addition, we call upon our friends from wider society, to join together in a powerful showing of solidarity and support. There is a simple and clear message that we will not tolerate hatred directed towards our community.”

Mark Adlestone, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester said: “At this moment in time, Jewish communities are understandably feeling uneasy and concerned. We are coming to terms with a huge surge in hate crime targeting Jewish people and property around the world.

“I am fortunate to be leading a community which remains vibrant and resolute. That is why we are scheduling a march through Manchester City Centre to demonstrate that we are unafraid and will continue living our lives as proud British Jews.

“We encourage all Jewish people from across the country to demonstrate their pride by joining us at this important juncture. In addition, now more than ever we require the support of our friends from outside the Jewish community. The message is simple in that we seek to condemn antisemitism in all its forms and call upon all our friends to show solidarity with Jewish people at this difficult time”.

More details on the route of the march and those who will be speaking at its conclusion, will be released in due course.