Thousands gathered outside Downing Street on Sunday, May 10th for the “Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism” rally, as fears grow over a sharp rise in antisemitic hate crimes and violence across Britain.
The demonstration, backed by more than 30 Jewish organisations, was partly prompted by the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on April 29th. Terror suspect Essa Suleiman has been charged with attempted murder.
Following the attack, the UK terror threat level was raised to “severe,” highlighting growing fears over public safety.
The Jewish Leadership Council warned that antisemitism is “escalating into deadly acts of violence and terror,” calling for broader support beyond the Jewish community.
In recent months, incidents have intensified. In March, an arson attack destroyed four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Hatzola charity, while bottles suspected of containing petrol were thrown at two synagogues in separate attacks.
At the rally, political divisions were visible. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice were greeted with applause, while Labour’s Pat McFadden faced boos and chants of “Where is Starmer?” as he addressed the crowd. Badenoch stressed that Britain
[BQ]has been a sanctuary for Jewish people and it must always be.
Ahead of the rally, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Zoroastrian leaders signed a joint letter describing antisemitism as “a problem for all of us to fix.” Campaign group Our Fight called for non-Jews to back the protest in support of their embattled fellow citizens, under the slogan “be a #mensch.”
