Thousands of people gathered in central London to protest against rising antisemitism in the United Kingdom, in one of the largest demonstrations of its kind in recent years. The rally, held near Downing Street on May 10, drew participants from across the political spectrum as well as members of the Jewish community and other supporters.

Estimates of attendance varied, with some reports indicating approximately 5,000 people, while others suggested the crowd exceeded 20,000. Organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the event aimed to raise awareness of what organisers and speakers described as a significant surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide.

Addressing the crowd, Gideon Falter, chairman of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, described the situation as a “British intifada,” referencing a contentious term used to characterize the recent spate of attacks targeting the Jewish community. He cited recent violent incidents including stabbings, attacks on synagogues, assaults on Hatzola ambulances, and the near-fatal car ramming of Jewish children as evidence of the escalating threat.

Political figures appearing at the rally included Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, and Labour’s Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden. Badenoch received strong applause as she recalled growing up abroad and highlighted the dangers posed by extremism and terrorism globally, emphasizing Britain’s role as a sanctuary for Jewish people. Sir Ed Davey also condemned extremism, describing it as the enemy of both the Jewish community and the country.

McFadden’s appearance was met with boos and jeers from sections of the crowd, with protesters directing chants such as “shame” and accusing him of inaction against antisemitism. Despite being heckled, McFadden stated he was committed to fighting antisemitism and stood in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, addressed the rally with criticism of political leadership, expressing frustration over what he called the toleration of antisemitism. He called for stronger responses within universities, suggesting withdrawal of funding for institutions ignoring the issue.

The protest featured heightened security, including airport-style checks at the rally’s entrance. Police arrested three individuals during the event, including a man suspected of carrying a bladed weapon. Separately, activist Peter Tatchell was escorted away by police after confrontation with demonstrators.

The demonstration followed a series of violent attacks against the Jewish community, notably the stabbing of two men in Golders Green, north-west London, which led the UK government’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre to raise the terrorism threat level in relation to Jewish groups to “severe,” indicating that an attack is highly likely. In response, the Metropolitan Police announced the deployment of an additional 100 officers dedicated to community protection, though this fell short of the 300 officers previously requested by Police Commissioner Mark Rowley.

Concerns about antisemitism have prompted calls for broader societal action. Recently, an open letter coordinated by the Together Coalition was signed by religious leaders, public figures, and organisations across faiths and sectors, stating that antisemitism is “a problem for all of us to fix.” Protesters expressed frustration around policing and government efforts, noting that protection often focuses on traditionally Jewish areas, leaving some individuals feeling vulnerable in other neighbourhoods.

The rally highlighted the ongoing debate over how best to address antisemitism in the UK, with demands for stronger governmental and institutional measures alongside calls for community solidarity.