Massive Demonstration Against Antisemitism Draws Tens of Thousands in London

Tens of thousands of people gathered for a march against antisemitism in central London, marking the largest demonstration of its kind since the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. The rally, organized amid a concerning surge in hate crimes, especially targeting London’s Jewish community, drew prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Organizers estimated the participation of around 100,000 people in this significant event, which also saw the presence of Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis. The demonstration commenced outside the Royal Courts of Justice, proceeding along Whitehall to Parliament Square, where a rally featuring impactful speeches and powerful messages took place.

One notable absence was English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, who had been urged by organizers not to attend over concerns of potential disruption. However, he was later arrested by the police at the start of the march. A second arrest occurred when a man-made antisemitic comments during the dispersal of crowds in Whitehall.

Placards displaying messages such as “Shoulder to shoulder with British Jews” and “Never again is now” were prominently visible among the diverse crowd. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis addressed the gathering at Parliament Square, asserting that British Jews would not be intimidated by antisemitism. He called for the strengthening of community cohesion, expressing pride in championing the finest British values.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism deemed this march the largest of its kind since the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, a historical event where the British Union of Fascists supporters were prevented from marching through a Jewish-populated area in east London.

The crowd featured recognizable personalities like TV presenters Vanessa Feltz and Robert Rinder, along with actors Tracy-Ann Oberman, Elliot Levey, and Maureen Lipman. Countdown host Rachel Riley commended the attendees for refusing to be bystanders, emphasizing the consequences of staying silent in the face of historical atrocities.

Actor Eddie Marsan delivered a passionate speech, urging moderate individuals in the country to confront extremism, bigotry, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of racism. Comedian David Baddiel, who attended the march, described the day as emotional, bonding, well-attended, and somewhat shambolic, reflecting the unity of the participants.

Political figures, including Boris Johnson, security minister Tom Tugenhadt, immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and Labour’s shadow science minister Peter Kyle, joined the event, underscoring cross-party support against antisemitism.

The rally occurred against the backdrop of a significant rise in hate crimes targeting the Jewish community since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Reports indicate a staggering increase, with 554 antisemitic offenses in London between October 1 and November 1, compared to 44 during the same period last year.

This powerful demonstration comes in the wake of recent large pro-Palestinian protests in London amid renewed conflict in the Middle East. The Metropolitan Police, responding to concerns about its handling of such events, has pledged to crack down on activities deemed hateful during protests, underscoring the need for peaceful and lawful demonstrations.

As London witnesses these significant gatherings on different ends of the spectrum, concerns about rising tensions and the need for inclusive dialogue persist, emphasizing the delicate balance between freedom of expression and preventing the escalation of hatred and violence.