Around 20,000 people gathered in Whitehall opposite Downing Street today in a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish community following a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks across the UK.
The rally, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, and supported by a broad coalition of Jewish organisations, featured speeches from senior politicians alongside Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders united in opposition to antisemitism and extremism.
Political speakers included Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey and Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice.
Representing the Jewish community were Board of Deputies Acting President Adrian Cohen, Jewish Leadership Council Chair Keith Black, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Progressive Judaism co-leads Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, United Synagogue President Saul Taylor and Campaign Against Antisemitism Chief Executive Gideon Falter.
Additional speakers included the Bishop of Willesden Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, Faith Matters founder Fiyaz Mughal and Lord Walney.
The rally also featured video messages of support from Boy George and Jewish communities around the world.
Following the rally, Adrian Cohen said:
“It was deeply moving to see tens of thousands of people fill Whitehall today and send a clear message that the Jewish community will not be intimidated by the appalling antisemitic incidents we have witnessed in recent weeks.
“Today’s rally must mark not only a moment of solidarity, but a turning point. We now need sustained action to ensure that the commitments made by government and civic leaders are translated into meaningful change.”
Keith Black said:
“Thank you to all of you who came out today. Members of the Jewish community who stood in Whitehall to say this is our country, and friends from across society who showed we are not alone. Now we need our government to follow through with the actions to fight this hatred and the extremism, including Islamism, fueling it.”
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