Around 20,000 people gathered in central London on Sunday for a major demonstration against antisemitism, as Jewish leaders and political figures warned that anti-Jewish hatred has become increasingly normalised in Britain, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The “Standing Strong” rally took place opposite Downing Street under the slogan “Britain stands with British Jews.” Organisers said the event aimed to unite both the Jewish community and non-Jewish allies in response to a surge in antisemitic attacks, threats, and intimidation across the country.
The demonstration was organised by a broad coalition of Jewish and pro-Israel organisations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Campaign Against Antisemitism, Union of Jewish Students, and the Office of the Chief Rabbi.
A notable feature of the rally was the large turnout of anti-regime Iranian demonstrators, many carrying Iranian and Israeli flags while chanting slogans in support of both peoples. Attendees estimated that Iranians made up a substantial portion of the crowd.
The Metropolitan Police Service maintained a significant security presence throughout the event. Police said no counter-protests took place.
Among the main speakers was Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who warned that antisemitism had become increasingly embedded in British public life.
He criticised the fact that Jewish institutions now operate behind heavy security and accused social media platforms of allowing anti-Jewish hatred to spread unchecked. Mirvis also condemned what he described as Iranian-backed extremism targeting British Jews and called for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be banned in the UK.
Several speakers echoed demands for stronger action against extremism, including tougher measures against hate marches and Islamist organisations.
Political leaders from multiple parties also addressed the crowd. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, said Britain must confront growing extremism and defend Jewish communities openly and without hesitation.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, argued that words of support alone were no longer sufficient and called for stronger enforcement against antisemitic harassment.
Richard Tice of Reform UK criticised what he described as weak leadership in the face of rising antisemitism and warned that British universities must face consequences if they fail to protect Jewish students.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not attend the rally, nor did other senior government ministers, a fact noted by several participants.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain described the gathering as a powerful display of unity across the Jewish community, bringing together religious and secular Jews, young and old, and people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Alongside expressions of solidarity and Jewish pride, many participants also voiced anger and disbelief at the current climate in Britain. Speakers referred repeatedly to recent antisemitic attacks, including the stabbing in Golders Green, fatal violence at a synagogue in Manchester, and a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish institutions.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said the rally reflected one of the most difficult periods British Jews have faced in recent memory.
“This is about what it now feels like to be visibly Jewish in Britain,” the organisation said, pointing to fears surrounding schools, synagogues, public transport, and daily life.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism warned that Britain must confront extremism directly if it wishes to protect both its Jewish community and wider democratic values.
The rally highlighted growing concern that antisemitism is no longer confined to the political fringes but is increasingly influencing mainstream public life in Britain.
Photo credit: CARLOS JASSO/REUTERS
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