Major rally against antisemitism kicks off in London

A London rally against antisemitism (watch here) led by dozens of Jewish organizations has begun at Downing Street, the location of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official residence, following a surge of attacks on Jewish targets in the country.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which started at 1 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Israel time). It is being held in response to a series of recent attacks, including the stabbing of two Jews in the heavily Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green, the torching of four Hatzolah ambulances, arson attacks on synagogues, and a deadly shooting on Yom Kippur at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester in October.

Attendees wave British, Irish and Israeli flags, and hold signs calling on the UK to stand against antisemitism. Organizers hope a large crowd will join what Jewish Chronicle columnist Stephen Pollard called a “million mensch march.”

There is a heavy security presence, and bags will not be admitted into the protest area, organizers say.

Jewish community and political leaders, including Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, are set to speak at the event, put on in cooperation between dozens of Jewish organizations. Starmer has been invited and is considering attending, according to local media.

The rally follows local elections last week that saw significant victories for the far-right Reform UK Party as well as the far-left, anti-Israel Greens, leading to mounting calls for Starmer to resign.