London protesters denounce antisemitism demand unity and security

Thousands of people gathered in central London on Sunday, May 12, for a rally urging action against antisemitism, amid reports of rising hate crimes and heightened concern in the Jewish community. The “Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism” event took place near Downing Street in Whitehall and was backed by more than 30 Jewish organizations.

Politicians and interfaith representatives addressed the crowd as a visible police presence and security checks were in place.

Organizers said the demonstration was prompted by a marked increase in antisemitic incidents, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, on April 29. A suspect has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack, according to the report.

cited Metropolitan Police data showing

cited Metropolitan Police data showing antisemitic hate crimes in London reached their highest level in two years in April. In response, the Metropolitan Police said it would deploy 100 additional officers to help protect Jewish communities.

The report also said the UK’s terrorism threat level was raised to “severe” by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre asourceser the April attack, indicating an attack was considered highly likely.

Senior political figures from several parties attended the rally, and the reception from the crowd varied. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice were largely greeted with cheers, while Labour’s Pat McFadden and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey were booed by some attendees.

Ahead of the event

Ahead of the event, British Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Zoroastrian religious leaders signed an open letter describing antisemitism as “a problem for all of us to fix,” according to the report. Participants passed through metal detectors and moved through a cordon with an increased police presence.

Officials and police will face continued scrutiny over how they respond to reported hate crimes and community security concerns, including any further changes to policing and threat assessments.