Not enough of what went on at the “Unite The Kingdom” rally has been openly condemned. How can you encourage Jews to be on your side without knowing we also don’t eat pork? Calls to “remove Islam from buildings” by various speakers showed it was no different to the last time anyone spoke at the previous rally back in September. Following this rally and the horrific shooting in San Diego, I saw a string of posts from digitally vocal people who were using the exact same language – not only against British Jewry when Hatzalah ambulances were set alight – but also in the immediate aftermath of October 7th 2023. Denial and cynicism turning to celebration and justification of such horrors.
[Predominantly] Jewish institutions and places of worship have been targeted in attacks over the past few months. Let it be made abundantly clear that an attack on one Jewish space is an attack on all Jewish spaces. Proactive measures include crackdowns on the recent increasing trend, and everyone taking accountability for their own attitudes and actions towards antisemitism. Proactivity remains to be the solution over complaints – no matter how emotionally driven they are – and colourful statements and infographics. I have been called disingenuous by my peers over the criticism I directed towards an organisation which itself has been disingenuous towards the wider Jewish community. No one is exempt from criticism, no matter how much of a token you are to hateful individuals.
Prior to “Unite The Kingdom”, Stop the Hate made a statement saying they would not be counter-protesting the “Nakba Day” march in Central London, which as a surprise to none featured antisemitic and Judeophobic language seemingly going unchallenged for the most part. I also saw this happening at Tommy Robinson’s “Unite The Kingdom” march, and videos online have emerged showing members of Stop the Hate, here openly demonstrating their support for this rally in general. A rally which featured stage presences ripping off niqabs and burqas, wrapping themselves in strips of bacon as “Muslim-repellent”, and pandering to the crowd of flags who I felt have been seriously alienated.
In my personal view, which I hope is shared by others, is that our continuity is made holy through togetherness, through solidarity, through unity. I will continue to support and advocate the work the Board of Deputies does, in collaboration with other likeminded Jewish organisations, as well as the UK government, to bring justice and true safety back to the streets of our community. No more complaints. No more writing solely out of emotion. Our spirits will not be broken.
by Toby Mills – recent graduate trainee teacher, UK.
This article was first published in the 5th printed EDA-editon and posted online July 21st 2026.