Jewish group warns ‘extremists not welcome’ at Al Quds Day counter-demo
Zionist Federation warns far-right and neo-Nazi groups may try to join annual London protest during which Hezbollah flags fly
Jewish groups have warned supporters to be wary of confusion at a counter-demonstration against an annual pro-Palestinian rally in central London on Sunday, advising that far-right and neo-Nazi groups planned to do the same.
The Zionist Federation, which has organised the counter demonstration to the Al-Quds Day March, said “extremist” groups were “not welcome” by the Jewish community, even though the far-right activists also plan to oppose the Al-Quds Day marchers.
“Whilst we are proud to stand against this hate, we are acutely aware that elements of the far-right and neo-Nazi groups have been encouraging their members and supporters to also rally against the Al-Quds Day march,” the ZF said in a statement.
“Let us be clear: the ZF, as well as our partners, do not support, encourage or condone any far-right or neo-Nazi groups or messages, either from outside our community or inside it.”
The organisation said it had been trying to arrange a “separate area for those on the far-right to demonstrate in and to keep them well away from the ZF demonstration,” but that the police had said this “may not be possible”.
In reference to some Al-Quds Day marchers having previously waved the yellow flag of Hezbollah, it added: “When countering extremists in the form of Hezbollah supporters, we are clear that extremism is not welcome within our demonstration… Hatred and intolerance have no place on the streets of London.”
Other groups have warned the Home Secretary that the march had all the makings of a “perfect storm,” with passions inflamed by the recent jailing of far-right leader Tommy Robinson, and by Middle East sabre-rattling between Iran and Israel.
Police have allowed the annual march to go ahead, and confirmed this week that Hezbollah flags could legally be waved, as the Government only proscribes the military wing, not the political wing. Both elements share the same flag.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
