In a historic demonstration against antisemitism, tens of thousands flooded central London, with organisers estimating an impressive 100,000 participants, marking the first such march since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war. Even former Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined the rally.
This mass gathering reflects a response to the alarming surge in hate crimes, particularly affecting London’s Jewish community. Notably, the event encountered a moment of tension as English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, despite being discouraged by organisers, was arrested by police. There were concerns about his potential disruption to the demonstration.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed two arrests, including Robinson, who was detained at the march’s commencement. Another individual was arrested for making antisemetic comments as crowds dispersed in Whitehall.
The crowd, armed with placards bearing powerful messages such as “Shoulder to shoulder with British Jews” and “Never again is now,” assembled outside the Royal Courts of Justice. The march proceeded along Whitehall, culminating in a rally at Parliament Square.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis emphasized that British Jews “will not be intimidated” by antisemitism. He called for a strengthened community cohesion, expressing pride in championing the finest British values.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism dubbed Sunday’s march the largest of its kind since the historic Battle of Cable Street in 1936. During that event, supporters of the British Union of Fascists were thwarted from marching through the Jewish-populated area of east London.
