UK Jews Hold Major Rally Against Rising Antisemitism

Thousands rallied in central London on Sunday against rising antisemitic attacks, with organizers estimating 20,000 attendees outside Downing Street, including many non-Jews. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis warned that antisemitism has become "normalized" across British society, present in politics, media, universities, schools, and on streets. The rally responded to recent incidents including stabbings in Golders Green, attacks on synagogues and ambulances, and a deadly shooting at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. A YouGov survey found 63 percent of Britons consider antisemitism a major problem.

Political leaders including Conservative Party chief Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey pledged to combat antisemitism. United Synagogue president Saul Taylor called the situation an "epidemic of anti-Jewish hate" and criticized the broader anti-racism movement for failing to support Jews, noting the community spends approximately £1 million annually on security. Campaign Against Antisemitism CEO Gideon Falter coined the term "Britifada" to compare current violence to the Palestinian Intifada, calling Britain "a disgrace amongst the nations."