Jewish individuals and their supporters gather in London to demand the release of Israeli hostages, amidst debates over the UK’s approach to extremism and policing during pro-Palestine demonstrations.
In a meaningful display of solidarity, hundreds of Jewish individuals and their supporters, including prominent figures like TV presenter Vanessa Feltz and actress Dame Maureen Lipman, congregated at St John’s Wood Synagogue in London on Mother’s Day to demand the release of Israeli hostages. This gathering was marked by what is believed to be the largest chorus of ram horn trumpets, or shofars, alongside whistles blown globally, lasting 1.55 minutes to symbolize the 155 days since the hostages were taken. The event was prompted by the October Hamas attacks on southern Israel, which saw over 240 individuals kidnapped. Notably, conservative MP Mike Freer also voiced his support for the Jewish community, advocating for the hostages’ release.
In a separate event, former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick criticized the Met Police for arresting protester Niyak Ghorbani during a pro-Palestine demonstration, accusing them of a “two-tier policing” approach. Ghorbani, who was holding a sign labeled “Hamas is terrorist,” was de-arrested following a review, amid accusations of police bias and double standards. This incident ties into broader discussions within the UK government about redefining extremism, aimed at preventing public engagement and funding of extremist groups. Communities Secretary Michael Gove is leading the initiative, focusing on distinguishing peaceful protest from extremist advocacy.
However, proposed government plans to redefine extremism have met with criticism from various activists, including Peter Hain, Tim Bonner, and Peter Tatchell, who argue that such measures could suppress freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Critics, encompassing figures from different sectors such as anti-apartheid, countryside rights, and LGBTQ+ rights movements, fear the new definition might criminalize dissent and label secularists as extremists for opposing established institutions, notably the Church of England. These developments highlight ongoing tensions within the UK regarding the balance between national security and civil liberties.
