Jewish community leaders have condemned pro-Palestine protests as "almost gloating over the Yom Kippur attack" during commemorations marking the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks. The Board of Deputies of British Jews criticised demonstrations supporting the banned group Palestine Action that took place over recent days.
Thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square on Sunday afternoon for a memorial event, at the same location where almost 500 people were arrested during pro-Palestine protests the previous day. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told the rally that the community remains determined to defend Israel's right to exist and confront antisemitism.
Community leaders speak out
Rosenberg described the Palestine Action protests as "despicable" and said they were "almost gloating over Yom Kippur attack, these are unacceptable and we demand change." The Board of Deputies has called for those arrested under the Terrorism Act at Saturday's protests to be investigated for stirring up racial hatred.
Former hostage Emily Damari, who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year, addressed the event by video. She said: "When I was in Gaza, I sometimes saw clips of anti-Israel marches and protests … it was very hard to watch while I was being held hostage in Gaza, it was as if the world had forgotten about us."
Keith Black, chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, warned that recent attacks demonstrate "how deadly this virulent antisemitism has become." He described streets filled with protesters and students facing abuse on campus, introducing the concept of "ambient antisemitism" as a prevailing undercurrent across society.
Religious and survivor testimonies
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis led the commemorations, saying: "Today, we recall the precious lives who were mercilessly taken from our midst on October 7." He had spent Friday with the grieving community in Manchester following Thursday's synagogue attack, describing their "tenacity" and "resilience."
Shaun Lemel, a survivor of the Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023, told the rally the ordeal would "never leave me" after witnessing "fear everywhere" during the attack. He emphasised the shared responsibility to stand against terror and protect human values.
Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were taken hostage in the October 7 attacks, said the community stands in solidarity with Manchester after this week's killings. Her father, 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifschitz, died while held hostage, whilst her mother Yocheved was released after two weeks.
Manchester commemoration and security
Hundreds joined a rally in Manchester despite safety concerns following Thursday's terror attack at a synagogue. The gathering, organised by North West Friends of Israel, saw participants wave Israeli flags and hold banners calling for hostage releases.
The event commemorated Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, who died during the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, who was on bail for an alleged rape, was shot dead by police after targeting the synagogue on Yom Kippur with a car and knife attack.
Police forces have deployed extra officers to synagogues and Jewish buildings for protection and reassurance. Three men remain hospitalised following Thursday's attack, whilst demonstrators chanted "bring them home" in support of the 48 hostages still held captive.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
