The British Jewish community’s fightback has begun
As we wake from the comfort of a brief golden age in Jewish history, we are readjusting, not to flee, but to remain
People often tell me: “The golden age of British Jewry is behind us.” “The baby boomer generation had it so good, but that’s over—time to pack and leave.” “Better five years early than five years late.”
These sentiments are understandable given the wave of anti-Israel hostility sweeping through our society, spreading like a virus, infecting civil discourse, and culminating in the horrific murder of Jewish worshippers on the holiest day of the Jewish year. Antisemitism is alive, brazen, and in plain sight. As Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), I see it everywhere: in the NHS, on campus, in the media, the arts, workplaces, and, of course, on our streets.
Yet I am privileged to witness something else, A fightback. A surge of Jewish activism, and, perhaps surprisingly, a profound sense of sympathy and solidarity from across this country.
This fightback is real. Every day we see the heroic efforts of grassroots organisations confronting Jew-hatred head-on. Remarkable individuals who refuse to stay silent have come forward, taking to the streets, the courts, the media, and even that cesspit of social media to defend our community. We are not standing back. We are fighting back. New funders have stepped forward, new organisations have emerged, allies have been found, and friendships forged. We are strengthening the sinews of our community because we are determined that Jewish life will flourish here for generations to come. Our ranks of professionals have increased and our ability to defend ourselves is growing by the day.
This is not to claim our enemies are vanquished, because they are not. Nor do I suggest this is “the beginning of the end.” Our history is too replete with its agonies for us to brush off danger lightly. But I see steel and resolve within our community. Leadership conversations are strategic and considered. The energy and dedication are inspirational. As we wake from the comfort of a brief golden age in Jewish history, we are readjusting, not to flee, but to remain.
And yes, there is sympathy and support across British society. From the Prime Minister down, a large majority in this country abhors Jew-hatred. We see journalists, politicians, thought leaders, business leaders, responsible people from across all walks of life condemning what is happening to us.
Hostility to Israel persists, and much of it draws vigour from ancient and modern tropes encouraged by today’s political landscape and well-funded external forces. Israel’s current standing and reputation today is one of the great Jewish tragedies of our lifetime. We know the greatness that lies within that country, the extraordinary nature of its survival under immense pressure and the magnificent quality of her people. The attacks on Israel’s legitimacy are an outrage, however, until the Palestinian issue is resolved its corrosive impact will continue to torment fuelling antisemites motivated by their hatred of Jews, not sympathy for the Palestinians. We must push back against the malevolent accusations and vicious lies against the Jewish state.
I spend countless hours with politicians, with heads of government departments, quangos and civic organisation talking about antisemitism and it is clear that they recognise its unacceptability. However, this country faces many deep intractable problems of which our cause is only one. We have many asks into government and there are clear signs they want to help. Some of their responses have been immediate; financial support, promises of legislative change and we are seeing an enhanced determination to prosecute our enemies. Yet much remains to be done, and we will be holding them closely to account.
In the meantime, we have to look to ourselves. To find the resilience to face the new and to find bravery and courage to fight back. We are proud British Jews who contribute enormously to this wonderful country that has looked after us so well. And as we fight for our own rights and freedoms so we will fight for British values as well, we will push back against extremism and hatred in the knowledge that whilst we are in the front line, we are not alone.
Keith Black is the Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC)
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