Massive london march Protests Rising Antisemitism, Drawing Estimated 70,000 Participants
LONDON – An estimated 70,000 people marched through central London on Sunday, November 26, 2023, to protest the surge in antisemitism across the United Kingdom, fueled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.The demonstration, organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, began at Hyde Park and culminated in a rally near Parliament Square.
The unprecedented turnout reflects growing alarm within the British Jewish community and among allies regarding a dramatic increase in reported hate crimes and antisemitic incidents as the October 7th attacks by Hamas.organizers and participants voiced concerns about the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and the perceived lack of sufficient response from authorities. the march underscores a pivotal moment for British society, demanding a firm stance against hatred and a commitment to protecting Jewish life.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism reported a 365% increase in antisemitic incidents in the UK following the Hamas attacks, with incidents ranging from verbal abuse and online harassment to vandalism and physical assaults. Participants carried signs reading “Enough is Enough,” “No to Antisemitism,” and “Stand with israel,” while chanting slogans condemning hate speech and calling for greater security measures.
“Britain, wake up now,” declared Gideon Falter, chief Executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, in a statement released prior to the march. “This is a moment for our nation to decide wich side it is indeed on. Will it stand with the Jewish community, or will it allow antisemitism to flourish?”
The march drew support from a diverse range of individuals and groups, including members of the Jewish community, political figures, and representatives from various faith organizations. Security was tight, with a significant police presence throughout the route to ensure the safety of participants and prevent counter-protests.
The demonstration comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the conflict in gaza and a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London in recent weeks. Organizers emphasized that the march was specifically focused on addressing antisemitism and was not intended as a political statement on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are urging the government to adopt the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and to take stronger action against hate crimes.
