Thousands attend rally against antisemitism outside Downing Street

"Thousands of people gathered outside Downing Street on Sunday to protest an increase in antisemitic hate crimes and violence, as senior politicians and interfaith leaders called for unity. The Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism rally, backed by more than 30 Jewish groups, drew thousands of people to Whitehall, as Conservative and Liberal Democrat party leaders, alongside Labour and Reform representatives, addressed a crowd studded with Israeli and union jack flags and Where is Keir?' placards."

"The rally was organised in response to a marked increase in antisemitic hate crimes and violence, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on 29 April. Suspected terrorist Essa Suleiman has been charged with attempted murder in relation to the stabbings. Kemi Badenoch speaking at the rally. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Guardian Labour's Pat McFadden was met with boos and shouts of Where is Starmer?' as he took to the stage."

"Ahead of the rally, British Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Zoroastrian religious leaders signed an open letter describing antisemitism as a problem for all of us to fix. Strict security measures were in place around Whitehall as protesters passed through metal detectors and encountered a visible security presence. Among those attending was 91-year-old Lionel Blumenthal, who travelled from Golders Green, north London, to show solidarity against antisemitism."

"I'm angry and horrified, this is not the country I grew up in, I no longer feel safe, said Blumenthal, who said the mood in his north London area has been one of anger, worry and unc"

Thousands gathered outside Downing Street to protest an increase in antisemitic hate crimes and violence and to call for unity. The Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism rally, supported by more than 30 Jewish groups, drew people to Whitehall with Israeli and union jack flags and protest placards. Senior politicians and interfaith leaders addressed the crowd, responding to anger after incidents including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on 29 April. Essa Suleiman was charged with attempted murder related to the stabbings. Religious leaders from multiple faiths signed an open letter describing antisemitism as a shared problem. Security measures included metal detectors and a visible police presence.

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