Thousands march against antisemitism in London as Tommy Robinson arrested – latest
Tommy Robinson #TommyRobinson
Tens of thousands of people attended a march against antisemitism in London on Sunday amid fears about rising antisemitic incidents sparked by the crisis in the Middle East.
The event was held the day after the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian protests in the capital called again for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among those attending and compared antisemitism with “an old spore of a virus”.
Tommy Robinson was arrested at the march after organisers had raised concerns and police warned the far-right was “not welcome”.
There was only one other arrest at the event, which was organised by the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
It came as the Israeli military said that 14 Israelis and three foreign nationals had been released from captivity in Gaza, on the third day of a four-day truce.
The father of a young Irish-Israeli girl released by Hamas on Saturday has said she is doing “better than expected”, and has thanked the public for their support. Thomas Hand had feared his daughter Emily had been killed in the Hamas attacks but they were reunited at the weekend
Key Points
Thousands to march in London rally against antisemitism
EDL founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police
Tommy Robinson sprayed by police in arrest
Rishi Sunak condemns antisemitism ‘in all its forms’ but doesn’t criticise Musk
Sunday 26 November 2023 23:24 , Barney Davis
In an interview with Bloomberg TV, the Prime Minister was asked if he wanted to follow the White House and criticise Mr Musk.
Mr Musk sparked an outcry this week with his own tweets responding to a user who accused Jews of hating white people and professing indifference to antisemitism.
The billionaire, had a sit-down chat with Mr Sunak at his AI summit, has faced accusations of tolerating antisemitic messages on Twitter since buying it last year.
Mr Sunak told the channel: “I don’t tend to get in the business of scrutinising what every single person says who I’ve interacted with, of course I abhor antisemitism. And as you said, we’ve been unequivocal from the start of this situation that that is not acceptable in our society.
“And we’ve been very firm about that. I’ve personally been very firm about that. It’s very sad what is happening.
But pressed again, he said: “I condemn all antisemitism, right. It’s not about any one particular personality.
“I condemn antisemitism in all its forms. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Elon Musk or you’re someone on the street who’s shouting abuse at someone who happens to be walking past, that’s wrong in all its forms. Antisemitism in all its forms is completely and utterly wrong.”
Irregular meals, benches as beds. As hostages return to Israel, details of captivity begin to emerge
00:12 , Barney Davis
As hostages return from from captivity, details about the conditions of their captivity in Gaza have begun to emerge through stories their family members are telling the press.
Julia Frankel reports:
Irregular meals, benches as beds. As hostages return to Israel, details of captivity begin to emerge
Thousands to march in London rally against antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 12:25 , Maira Butt
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in London later in a demonstration against antisemitism.
Both ministers and the Metropolitan Police have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets, amid concern about rising tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.
The rally in the capital comes after tens of thousands of people gathered once again on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.
Between 40,000 to 50,000 expected to attend march
Sunday 26 November 2023 12:46 , Maira Butt
A 90-minute march organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism is due to take place in London on Sunday.
Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, the Gold Commander in London this weekend, said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.
Another pro-Palestinian protest of around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall will also be held on Saturday, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.
Fears Tommy Robinson could attend protest as Met say he is not ‘welcome’
Sunday 26 November 2023 12:53 , Maira Butt
There have been fears that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest.
Mr Robinson was last seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.
The Met said he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.
“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”
Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’ (PA)
Chief secretary to Treasury ‘very concerned’ about Jewish people
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:00 , Maira Butt
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is “very concerned” about Jewish people.
Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.
“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”
Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:04 , Maira Butt
Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be engaged by officers.
Mr Robinson was seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.
Mr Adelekan added: “What we cannot see and what we will not let happen is the kind of violence that happened on November 11.
“We have got enough officers in order to make sure we prevent that from happening.”
Mr Robinson who, along with the English Defence League, has demonstrated support for Israel for a number of years, has been condemned by Jewish groups in the past.
Tommy Robinson in attendance as large group gathers outside Royal Courts of Justice
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:05 , Maira Butt
A large group has gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice for the rally organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
The group of a few thousand waved Israeli and Union flags and held placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites”.
Other posters read: “Rape is not resistance” and “Hamas made me Jewish”.
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was among those present.
Met Police say ‘significant policing and security operation underway’
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:15 , Maira Butt
The Met Police have said there is a “significant” policing and security operation underway as a large group gathers outside the Royal Courts of Justice in a march against antisemitism to take place shortly.
They added that while they there may be “additional nervousness, particularly among Jewish Londoners”, there was “nothing to suggest this demonstration was at particular risk”.
They added: “A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has been in effect since just after 10am.
“It covers Westminster and parts of neighbouring boroughs. Anyone told by an officer to disperse who fails to do so is liable to arrest.”
In pictures: a large group has gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in march against anti-semitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:25 , Maira Butt
Police officers in attendance as people take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
The Met Police said a ‘significant policing and security operation was underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Vanessa Feltz was in attendance as she interviewed a protestor (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
People take part in march organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:35 , Maira Butt
Many have gathered to take part in the march organised by volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Signs read ‘Jews belong’ and ‘United Kingdom against Antisemitism’.
Signs read ‘Jews belong’ and ‘United Kingdom against Antisemitism’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
EDL founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:39 , Maira Butt
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.
He was seen arguing with officers for around 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was was then taken away from the scene.
In pictures: Tommy Robinson escorted away by police
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:43 , Maira Butt
He was seen arguing with officers for ten minutes before being forcibly led away.
The EDL founder was escorted away from the march (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Tommy Robinson escorted away by police (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Tommy Robinson escorted away after arguing with officers for ten minutes
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:54 , Maira Butt
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.
He was seen surrounded by several officers, before being taken away from the scene after arguing with police for around ten minutes.
The EDL founder was escorted away by police as he tried to join the march (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Several officers surrounded him (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Boris Johnson attends march
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:00 , Maira Butt
Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending the march against antisemitism in London.
The former Prime Minister joined celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder on Sunday afternoon.
Vanessa Feltz was also seen interviewing protestors.
People take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Major march against antisemitism underway as EDL founder escorted away
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:06 , Maira Butt
A major march against antisemitism has begun in London, after English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was escorted away by police.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to march in London in the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
A temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding, with the release of a second group of hostages and Palestinians from Israeli prisons coming late on Saturday.
There had been fears in that Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
The Metropolitan Police had made clear in advance that he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
Mr Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.
On Sunday, he was seen arguing with officers for about 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was was then led away from the scene.
The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of reports of a man being escorted away from the march and subsequently arrested.
Chief Rabbi attends march
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:09 , Maira Butt
Chief Rabbi Mirvis is taking part in a march against antisemitism today.
The action is organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis (centre) taking part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Tommy Robinson arrested at march against antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:14 , Sam Rkaina
Tommy Robinson has been arrested at the London march, after he was seen being escorted away from the gathering on Sunday afternoon.
A Met office spokesperson said: “Officers working as part of the policing and security operation for the March Against Antisemitism have arrested a 40-year-old man on the Strand.
“We have been in frequent contact with the organisers of the march in recent days.
“They have been clear about their concerns that the man’s attendance, and that of those who were likely to accompany him, would cause fear for other participants. The same view has been voiced by others.
“As a result he was spoken to and warned on more than one occasion that his continued presence in the area was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others.
“He was directed to leave the area but refused to do so. We are aware that the man had suggested he was in the area as a journalist. This was not a relevant factor in his arrest.”
Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman attend
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:14 , Maira Butt
The Eastenders actress Tracey-Ann Oberman and famous television judge Robert Rinder have been seen in attendance at the march taking place in London today.
The march against antisemitism is expected to gather thousands and is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
The two were seen holding a banner (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
In pictures: march underway as well-known figures attend
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:20 , Maira Butt
The march against antisemitism is underway in London with thousands expected to attend the demonstration.
Some well-known British figures are in attendance including Rachel Riley, Eddie Marsan, Maureen Lipman, Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman. Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat also took part.
Rachel Riley attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Minister of State for Security attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
UK Jewish group says they won’t attend march
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:32 , Maira Butt
The UK Jewish group Na’amod have said in a statement that they will not attend the march against anti-semitism taking place on Saturday.
“It’s clear from the event description that CAA have organised this march in response to huge weekly ceasefire demonstrations in London.
“Pitting Jewish safety against Palestinian freedom doesn’t make Jews safer; it makes fighting antisemitism harder.”
Banners read ‘United Kingdom united against Antisemitism’ and ‘Zero tolerance for antisemites’
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:40 , Maira Butt
Banners read ‘United Kingdom united against antisemitism’ and ‘Zero tolerance for antisemites’ as many well-known British figures attended.
The march is expected to last ninety minutes and started at 1.30pm where a large group gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice.
EDL founder, Tommy Robinson, was escorted away by police after trying to join the march.
Picture shows (fifth from left) Chief Rabbi Mirvis (left to right) Robert Rinder, Tracey-Ann Oberman, Eddie Marsan, Rachel Riley, Maureen Lipman and (second from right) Vanessa Feltz take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
‘Thousands in attendance’ at march
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:45 , Maira Butt
Thousands have attended a march against antisemitism in London, with English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police.
Police later confirmed a 40-year-old man had been arrested close to the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday afternoon.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson joined thousands of people for the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
The Met Police said a ‘significant police and security operation is underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
March heading towards Parliament Square
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:53 , Maira Butt
Thousands are making their way towards Parliament Square as the March Against Antisemitism has now moved off from the Royal Courts of Justice and is making its way towards its destination.
Thousands attended including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and TV presenter Vanessa Feltz.
Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman also attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Boris Johnson: ‘Very sad this march has to take place at all’
Sunday 26 November 2023 14:57 , Maira Butt
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has attended a march against antisemitism taking place in London today.
He told GB News it was “very sad this march has to take place at all” before adding antisemitism at previous marches confirmed for him “the absolutely human necessity for Israel to exist”.
He said: “Whatever the rights and wrongs of what Israel has done, or is doing, I think that the antisemitism we have seen in some of the marches around Europe has really confirmed for me the absolutely human necessity for Israel to exist.”
Boris Johnson: antisemitism like ‘old spore of virus that lurks beneath floorboards’
Sunday 26 November 2023 15:05 , Maira Butt
Johnson told GB News: “The reemergence and recrudescence of antisemitism, it’s kind of like an old spore of a virus that lurks beneath the floorboards of Western civilisation, of our collective memory.
“And it comes out from time to time. It’s perennial, it won’t go away and it flares up again. We’re seeing a flareup and we need to call it out.”
The former prime minister attended the march today and spoke to GB News (GB News)
Boris Johnson says he is showing solidarity with Jewish people as he attends march against antisemitism in London
Sunday 26 November 2023 15:19 , Barney Davis
Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending the march against antisemitism in London.
The former Prime Minister joined celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder on Sunday afternoon.
‘Heartwarming’ European Jewish Congress praise march against antisemitism in London
Sunday 26 November 2023 15:29 , Barney Davis
Thousands of activists marching against antisemitism have been hailed by the European Jewish Congress which aims to unite 2.5million Jewish people across Europe.
The group posted a video to X showing a mass of supporters waiving Israeli flags and holding up posters of people still being held hostage by Hamas.
The organisation added: “Such inspiring scenes in London today as thousands march to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, in the wake of an alarming rise of antisemitism.”
‘This is the real Britain’ Crowd estimated to be 105,000 people strong in Parliament Square
Sunday 26 November 2023 15:31 , Barney Davis
Thousands of people have gathered inside Parliament Square chanting “Bring Them Home” in reference to people still being held hostage by Hamas.
The first speaker said Saturday’s march was “the largest gathering against antisemitism since 1936” the Battle of Cable Street – where thousands clashed with police protecting a march from the British Union of Fascists in east London.
He thanked protesters for continuing this “proud” tradition and estimated the crowd as 105,000 strong with the protest snaking back to Whitehall 2km in length.
He led a chant of “Act against hate before it’s too late” before silence fell over the protest. He said the crowd were lighting a beacon of solidarity before quoting Anne Frank which can both “define and defy the darkness of antisemitism”.
The Met Police said a ‘significant police and security operation is underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Robert Jenrick tells crowd Hamas defeat will be a ‘blessing to the world’
Sunday 26 November 2023 15:50 , Barney Davis
Speaking on behalf of the Government, The Minister of State for Immigration said: “Tonight we mourn with those that mourn and grieve
“We pray for the hostages and we demand their immediate release.”
Chants of “Bring them home” break up the speech.
He said: “Know your government will not rest until each and every one of them is back in the loving embrace of their families. We stand with Israel.”
He said he will revoke visas of known antisemites and dispel them from the country.
“There is one fundamental freedom we must reclaim that is the freedom from fear.
“A Britain where Jewish people are afraid is not Britain.”
(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Peter Kyle says Britain engulfed by ‘tsunami of antisemitism’
Sunday 26 November 2023 16:04 , Barney Davis
Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle said he was speaking “very proudly” as deputy of Labour’s Friends of Israel.
He said: “We all wait with deep anxiety as we await the release of further hostages. To be here and stand shoulder to shoulder with British Jews.
“I am enormously proud of the leadership Keir Starmer has shown in combatting antisemitism and standing up for the Jewish British community,
“We cannot escape and cannot ignore the tsunami of antisemitism that has swept the country since October 7.
“Your community will never stand alone.”
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has said British Jews ‘will not be intimidated’ by antisemitism.
Sunday 26 November 2023 16:26 , Barney Davis
Speaking at Sunday’s march in Parliament Square he said: “Since October 7 we have witnessed here in the UK an alarming rise of antisemitism, but we will not be intimidated.
“We call for a strengthening of community cohesion and we will forever be proud to champion the finest of British values.
“So with regard to the poisonous spread of antisemitism, what should the response of the British people be?
“Number one, call it out when you see it. Number two, call it by what it really is – Jew hatred.
“Number three, be vigilant and report every incident. Number four, we must arrest every single perpetrator and bring every single one of them to justice.
“Number five, we must teach our children that the superheroes of our society are those who pursue peace and loving kindness, and not those who glorify violence and murder, and we must teach people that they must draw their conclusions from historical facts and not from what they see and hear on social media.”
Gideon Falter, the chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, condemns ‘appalling’ signs seen at pro-Palestinian marches
Sunday 26 November 2023 16:28 , Barney Davis
Addressing Sunday’s march at Parliament Square, he said: “Since October 7, antisemitic crime has surged in this country by over 1,000%.
“Demonstrations marched through our cities, marched through our capital where people glorify terrorism, where people incite racism against Jews.
“And indeed, as we saw yesterday, yet again, carrying placards showing a Star of David thrown in the bin with a caption that says ‘please keep the world clean’, messaging that would not have been out of place in 1930s Germany, it is appalling.”
(Victoria Jones/PA Wire)
Tracy-Ann Oberman addresses crowds
Sunday 26 November 2023 17:16 , Barney Davis
Former EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman told marchers: “We’re seeing a frightening and swift rise in antisemitism, Jewish attacks on our children not being able to go to school wearing their blazers with a Jewish insignia or skullcaps, our children and ourselves advised to take off any sign of being Jewish.
“I have so many friends and neighbours and people who contact me on social media saying they will take their mezuzahs off their doors, that they feel frightened, they feel isolated and alone.
“But we are not alone. We are a successful and flourishing multi-ethnic and multi-faith capital city of a multi-ethnic and multi-faith country.
“A tolerant democracy where all racism, including racism against Jews, is not tolerated.
“We have to call out antisemitism for what it is, it is an incitement to hatred, it is an incitement to divide.”
(left to right) Chief Rabbi Mirvis, Eddie Marsan, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley, Maureen Lipman (second from right) and Vanessa Feltz (right) (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)
Happy-Go-Lucky actor Eddie Marsan called for moderate people to ‘face down extremism and bigotry’
Sunday 26 November 2023 17:18 , Barney Davis
He told the antisemitism march in London: “Fundamentalists always scream loud to drown out the voice of reasonable people, moderate people.
“Well in my experience people aren’t moderate because they’re turning a blind eye to injustice, people are moderate because they can see both sides of the debate, both sides of an argument, and they can sense the greater truth.
“But I think now it’s time for moderate people in this country to stand up and face down extremism and bigotry and antisemitism and Islamophobia and all forms of racism.
“So I’m here today to defend my culture, my culture is diversity and I’m proud of my culture.
“And I’m also here to stand in solidarity with my Jewish friends, the people I grew up with, the people I went to school with, the people I work with, and I tell you all you are not alone.”
Countdown’s Rachel Riley called on people to ‘get serious’ about tackling antisemitism.
Sunday 26 November 2023 17:26 , Barney Davis
Speaking in Parliament Square she said: “We’ve learned from history the sharp price to be paid when good people stay silent and I’m grateful to each and every one of you here today for refusing to be bystanders.
“We’re going to have to get serious about fighting this now if we want to turn things around.
“We’re going to start having to have tough conversations. We’re going to have to stand up to the mob and we’re going to need strong stomachs.
“But together I believe we can and we will.”
Rachel Riley attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Just two arrests as 105,000 March Against Antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 18:16 , Barney Davis
The Met Police have said they have arrested a man heard making antisemitic comments as 105,000 depart the March Against Antisemitism.
The force posted on X: “The March Against Antisemitism has concluded.
“As the crowds left along Whitehall, a man was heard to make antisemitic comments.
“He was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
“In total, there were two arrests during today’s operation.”
(Met Police)
Antisemitic offences ramped up in October
Sunday 26 November 2023 18:50 , Barney Davis
In the first 18 days of October, there was a 1,353% increase in antisemitic offences and a 140% rise in Islamophobic offences, the Met Police said at the time.
The Community Security Trust, which collects reports of antisemitism in the UK, recorded at least 805 antisemitic incidents between 7 and 27 October; the highest ever recorded in a 21-day period.
Tell Mama, which counts Islamophobic incidents, recorded 291 incidents of anti-Muslim hate between 7 and 19 October, a sixfold increase on the same period last year.
Vanessa Feltz and friends sing and dance at front of March Against Antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 19:12 , Barney Davis
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick and security minister Tom Tugendhat joined celebrities including Vanessa Feltz, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder at the march, which saw marchers join in singing as they proceeded through the city.
Organisers called the rally the largest gathering against antisemitism London had seen since the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, when hundreds of thousands of people blocked a planned march by Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists through an area populated by many Jewish families.
Tens of thousands attend march against antisemitism in London
Sunday 26 November 2023 21:21 , Barney Davis
Tens of thousands of people gathered in central London to march against antisemitism in what activists have called the largest gathering of its kind since 1936.
The demonstration organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) drew a number of well-known figures including former prime minister Boris Johnson.
The former PM said that he was attending in solidarity with Jewish people as he said recent pro-Palestinian protests in the capital had confirmed his belief of “the absolutely human necessity for Israel to exist”.
Maira Butt reports:
Tens of thousands attend march against antisemitism in London
Eddie Marsan speaks of his honour at delivering speech to 105,000 marching against antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 21:30 , Barney Davis
The Happy-Go-Lucky actor posted on X: “It was an honour to be invited to speak, to stand in solidarity with my Jewish friends in face of the appalling rise in antisemitism, to condemn the seven-fold increase in Islamophobic hate crime & to call out the far right who are trying to capitalise on the situation.”
Marsan, who is not Jewish but recieved abuse for playing the leader of an anti-fascist group in ‘Ridley Road’, questioned why some people did not condemn Hamas after its attack on Israel in his speech.
He said: “Following the events of October 7 there were those who rushed to condemn the destruction of Gaza and the loss of innocent life, which is completely right.
“But there were many who were hesitant to acknowledge or condemn the actions of Hamas against Israel and to call for the hostages to be released.
“And when I saw this I asked a Jewish friend of mine in the film business ‘why can’t they do both?’.
“And they said ‘it’s because they’re afraid, because they’re afraid of the backlash’.”
He also called for moderate people to “face down extremism and bigotry”.
He went on: “Fundamentalists always scream loud to drown out the voice of reasonable people, moderate people.
“Well in my experience people aren’t moderate because they’re turning a blind eye to injustice, people are moderate because they can see both sides of the debate, both sides of an argument, and they can sense the greater truth.”
Tommy Robinson pepper sprayed by police during arrest at march against antisemitism
Sunday 26 November 2023 22:39 , Barney Davis
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was pepper-sprayed by police as they arrested him at an antisemitism march in London.
Robinson was detained by dozens of officers near the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday, after march organisers said he would not be welcome.
The 40 year-old, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, uploaded a video on social media of his partially closed eyes after officers used the synthetic pepper spray. He was still in police custody on Sunday evening.
Tommy Robinson pepper sprayed by police during arrest at march against antisemitism
Musk to meet Israeli President to discuss antisemitism on X
Sunday 26 November 2023 22:41 , Barney Davis
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, accused by civil rights groups of amplifying anti-Jewish hatred on his X social media platform, will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday along with Israelis whose relatives have been held by Hamas in Gaza.
Herzog’s office announced the meeting on Sunday night, saying, “In their meeting, the president will emphasize the need to act to combat rising antisemitism online.”
Musk, a billionaire who also runs Tesla and SpaceX, visits during a four-day truce in an Israeli war with Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
Israel’s Channel 12 said Musk would also meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. There was no immediate comment from his office.
Netanyahu met Musk in California on Sept. 18 and urged him to strike a balance between protecting free expression and fighting hate speech after weeks of controversy over antisemitic content on X.
Israel will continue bombing Gaza with ‘full force’ when truce with Hamas ends
00:30 , Barney Davis
Benjamin Netanyahu has told US President Joe Biden Israel will continue its campaign in Gaza “with full force” when the temporary truce comes to an end despite Hamas claims it wants it to be extended.
The truce deal is due to end tomorrow night, but could yet be extended – with Israel offering to extend the pause in fighting by 24 hours for every 10 hostages Hamas releases.
Mr Netanyahu said he welcomed this possibility in his call with the US president, with the White House adding they agreed to “continue working to secure the release of all hostages”.
(Avi Ohayon)
Israel releasing teenage boys as part of Hamas hostage agreement
01:30 , Bel Trew
Palestinian families waited anxiously outside Israeli Ofer prison and at a key roundabout in Ramallah, for the release of 39 Palestinians – six women and 33 teenagers – as part of the hostage agreement.
Israel has drafted a list of 300 Palestinian women and children in jails across Israel it said could be released as part of an extended exchange truce deal with militant group Hamas.
Israel has said that it considers all the prisoners to have “blood on their hands” and has denounced the released prisoners as “terrorists.”
Sunday’s list – shared with The Independent – included mostly teenage boys aged between 15- 19, accused of public disorder, property damage and in some cases causing or threatening physical harm to Israeli officers by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails.
Several them of them had been held in administrative detention, which means Israel can hold them indefinitely without charge or trial, a practice rights groups say is a violation of international law.
One of the released teenagers in administrative detention was Obada Khalil, who was 17 when he was arrested from his bed in a 3am raid last June.
On the Israeli ministry of justice list the Israeli authorities shared with the public it is listed he was arrested for “security” reasons – no further details are given.
His father Abu Ahmed told The Independent since Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October Obada had not been permitted prison visits or phone calls and they didn’t know what state he was in.
His mother Badriya, said “I didn’t sleep at night until the list was published, we only found out an hour ago.”
Israel Palestinians (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
US Navy responded to distress call from seized tanker
02:30 , Barney Davis
A US Navy vessel responded to a distress call from an Israeli-linked chemical tanker Central Park and ensured that it was safe and free, two US officials said on Sunday.
One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the USS Mason had helped ensure that the tanker was safe.
Unidentified armed individuals had seized a tanker carrying a cargo of phosphoric acid in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday.
As hostages return to Israel, details of tunnel captivity begin to emerge
03:30 , Barney Davis
The fullest image yet of life under Hamas captivity was conjured by 85-year-old Yocheved Lipschitz, a hostage who was freed before the current cease-fire. Upon her release, Lipschitz said she had been held in tunnels which stretched under Gaza “like a spider web.”
She said her captors “told us they are people who believe in the Quran and wouldn’t hurt us.”Lifshitz said captives were treated well and received medical care, including medication.
The guards kept conditions clean, she said. Hostages were given one meal a day of cheese, cucumber and pita, she said, adding that her captors ate the same.There were initial indications that the recently freed hostages had also been held underground.
Eyal Nouri, the nephew of Adina Moshe, 72, who was freed on Friday, said his aunt “had to adjust to the sunlight” because she had been in darkness for weeks.“She was in complete darkness,” said Nouri. “She was walking with her eyes down because she was in a tunnel. She was not used to the daylight. And during her captivity, she was disconnected … from all the outside world.”
Nouri said that Adina didn’t know that she was going to be released until the very last moment.“Until she saw the Red Cross,” he said. “This is the moment when she realized, okay, these horrifying seven weeks are over.”
Adina Moshe (via REUTERS)
Manhattan Bridge shut down by activists demanding ceasefire
04:30 , Barney Davis
Watch: Moment young hostage reunites with family after release from Hamas captivity
05:30 , Barney Davis
This is the moment 21-year-old Maya Regev, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7th terror attack, was reunited with her family following her release on Sunday 26 November.
Ms Regev was shot in the leg by Hamas during the attack on the Supernova Music Festival and taken to Gaza where she was held for 51 days as a hostage, alongside 250 others.
She was returned to Israel as part of a ceasefire deal in which Hamas would release 50 hostages in return for the release of 150 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons.
Watch: Moment young hostage reunites with family after release from Hamas captivity
Tommy Robinson sprayed by police
07:25 , Alex Ross
More details coming out on yesterday’s arrest of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, who was was pepper-sprayed by police at the antisemitism march in London.
Mr Robinson, 40, was detained by dozens of officers near the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday, after march organisers said he would not be welcome.
Mr Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who was in police custody on Sunday evening, uploaded a video on social media of his partially closed eyes after officers used the synthetic pepper spray.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The arrested man resisted as officers attempted to put him in handcuffs. He was warned repeatedly before PAVA spray was used.
“Following its use, officers gained control of him and handcuffs were applied.”
Tommy Robinson was pepper-sprayed (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)
Quick recap on yesterday
07:45 , Alex Ross
Tens of thousands attended the march against antisemitism in London, as the crowd heard that the Jewish community will “not be intimidated”.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among the high-profile figures joining the demonstration, a day after crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
Those who addressed the marchers included Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and immigration minister Robert Jenrick, as organisers claimed the pro-Palestinian rallies in recent weeks had made the capital a “no-go zone for Jews”.
Organisers called the rally the largest gathering against antisemitism London had seen since the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, when hundreds of thousands of people blocked a planned march by Sir Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists through an area populated by many Jewish families.
There were 18 arrests over the course of the day for a range of alleged offences, including suspicion of inciting racial hatred and suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation.
Among those detained was English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Many attended holding antisemitism placards, hostage posters and Israel flags as attendees chanted ‘bring them home’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
‘Were going to have to get serious’
08:30 , Alex Ross
Countdown co-presenter Rachel Riley was among those to speak at yesterday’s rally.
She told the crown: “We’ve learned from history the sharp price to be paid when good people stay silent and I’m grateful to each and every one of you here today for refusing to be bystanders.
“We’re going to have to get serious about fighting this now if we want to turn things around.”
Watch her speech here:
Rachel Riley urges public to ‘get serious’ about antisemitism at London rally
Shooting amid increased tensions in US
09:00 , Alex Ross
A man has been arrested over the shooting of three Palestinian students in Vermont, US, over the weekend.
Two of the victims are in stable condition in hospital, but the third was said to have suffered “much more serious injuries” and his condition remains unclear.
On Sunday, local police arrested a 48-year-old over the attack, which is being investigated as a possible hate crime
Suspect arrested in Vermont shooting of three Palestinian students
Rishi Sunak condemns antisemitism “in all its forms”
09:30 , Alex Ross
The British Prime Minister appeared to criticise Elon Musk’s remark on X after the tech billionaire sparked an outcry this month when responding to a user who accused Jews of hating white people.
In his reply to the user on X on Wednesday, Mr Musk said: “You have said the actual truth”.
Mr Sunak, speaking to Bloomberg TV, on the comment said: “I don’t tend to get in the business of scrutinising what every single person says who I’ve interacted with, of course I abhor antisemitism.
“And as you said, we’ve been unequivocal from the start of this situation that that is not acceptable in our society. And we’ve been very firm about that. I’ve personally been very firm about that. It’s very sad what is happening.
But pressed again, he said: “I condemn all antisemitism, right. It’s not about any one particular personality.
“I condemn antisemitism in all its forms. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Elon Musk or you’re someone on the street who’s shouting abuse at someone who happens to be walking past, that’s wrong in all its forms. Antisemitism in all its forms is completely and utterly wrong.”
Rishi Sunak slams Elon Musk’s ‘wrong’ remarks as antisemitism row deepens
Quotes from yesterday’s march
09:40 , Alex Ross
Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said antisemitic crime “had surged in this country by over 1,000%”. He added: “Demonstrations marched through our cities, marched through our capital, where people glorify terrorism, where people incite racism against Jews.”
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “With regard to the poisonous spread of antisemitism, what should the response of the British people be? Number one, call it out when you see it. Number two, call it by what it really is – Jew hatred. Number three, be vigilant and report every incident. Number four, we must arrest every single perpetrator and bring every single one of them to justice.”
Rachel Riley, Countdown co-presenter, said: “We’re going to start having to have tough conversations. We’re going to have to stand up to the mob and we’re going to need strong stomachs. But together I believe we can and we will.”
More on Tommy Robinson’s arrest
10:30 , Alex Ross
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was arrested at yesterday’s march against anti-semitism in London – after Jewish leaders asked him not to come.
It was feared by many that Mr Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, would attempt to hijack the protest with a group of followers who had clashed with police at a march two weeks ago.
He was also warned not to attend by The Metropolitan Police.
However, an hour before the protest, he was seen in a coffee shop close to the starting point and asked to leave by police. More officers soon arrived and he was led away.
Footage soon emerged on X allegedly showing his arrest.
Fears over rise antisemitic in London
11:30 , Alex Ross
One of the point raised several times at yesterday’s march was the rise in antisemitic attacks in the UK during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Former EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, who is from a Jewish background, told marchers about the “frightening and swift rise in antisemitism” experienced by people she knows.
Speaking at Parliament Square, she said: “We’re seeing a frightening and swift rise in antisemitism, Jewish attacks on our children not being able to go to school wearing their blazers with a Jewish insignia or skullcaps, our children and ourselves advised to take off any sign of being Jewish.”
In October, The Independent reported a 1300 per cent rise in antisemitic attacks in London. From 1 to 18 October, police recorded 218 antisemitic offences compared to 15 recorded in the same period last year.
Antisemitic attacks in London soar by staggering 1300% amid Israel-Hamas conflict
Coverage of the march from across the globe
12:30 , Alex Ross
An estimated 100,000 people took part in the demontration against antisemitism through central London yesterday.
So impactful was the event that it made the news across the world.
France 24 – Thousands march against anti-Semitism in London
ABC News – Former UK leader Boris Johnson joins a march against antisemitism in London
Times of Israel – ‘Zero tolerance for antisemitism’: Tens of thousands march against hate in London
The Charlotte Observer – Tens of thousands march against antisemitism in London including UK ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Police have expressed concern about rising incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Police action during the march
13:30 , Alex Ross
The Metropolitan Police said it made 18 arrest during the protests in central London on Saturday.
One person was arrested was holding “a placard with swastikas on” and another for assaulting an emergency worker, the force said.
In total, 1,500 officers were deplayed to ensure the safety of protesters, and to keep the peace.
Taking a pause in our coverage
14:00 , Alex Ross
Good afternoon, we’re now taking a pause in our coverage.