An estimated 105,000 people gathered at the “March Against Anti-Semitism,” far exceeding even the rosiest forecasts by event organizers. Highlighting the way that anti-Semitism is seen by many as a national problem, not just a Jewish one, many non-Jews turned out as well, from the Christian, Hindu, and Sikh sectors. How worried Britain’s Jewish community is by the open displays of anti-Semitism in recent weeks became clear at a massive rally in central London on Sunday.
The center of London has become a no-go area for many Jewish people over the last two months as Palestinian marches take place, sometimes three times a week. Main train stations have become focal points of hated at which terror is glorified and anyone seen supporting Israel or the release of hostages is vocally condemned as a “supporter of genocide.” The march headed toward Temple Station turning right on the Embankment with the River Thames to the left, as freezing rain began to fall in bitterly cold weather conditions. But the mood was joyful as crowds waved their Israeli flags and British Union Jacks. At one point, the marchers even broke into a rendition of the national anthem, “G-d Save the King.” Journalists have been fearful of covering the anti-Israel marchers, and at least three separate teams from the conservative GB News network in the UK have been attacked by pro-Palestinian activists, who call them fascists and “supporters of genocide.” And there have been no Union Jacks flown at these gatherings; in fact, one was scheduled on Remembrance Day, in defiance of British patriotic sensibilities.