UK police have been given new guidance on how to handle anti-Israel protests as fears mount that thousands of protestors are planning to gather in Whitehall this weekend. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and police chiefs met this morning to discuss security measures and allocate £3 million in emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues in the country. The move comes in response to a 400% increase in antisemitic attacks last week. Jewish primary schools in London will close tomorrow due to major security concerns. The founder of Hamas, Khalid Mashal, has called for a global day of rage against Israel on Friday.
Emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has ordered £3 million of emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues in the country. The funding was announced following a 400% increase in antisemitic attacks last week. Two Jewish primary schools in London will close tomorrow due to major security concerns. Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale made the decision in the interest of the safety of their students.
Fears of global day of rage against Israel
Khalid Mashal, the founder of terror group Hamas, has called for a global day of rage against Israel on Friday. Mashal has called for a global Jihad against Jews worldwide and an "invasion" of the Middle Eastern state. The UK Prime Minister warned that last week's attack in Israel was the third worst terror atrocity since the 1970s and that the backlash could spill onto the streets of Britain.
New guidance for handling "provocative protests"
The UK Home Secretary, Attorney General, and Policing Minister have issued new guidance for handling "provocative protests" by pro-Palestine and Hamas supporting demonstrators. The guidance, developed in response to distressing scenes witnessed in the past week, aims to ensure a consistent and clear approach to tackling hate crime, policing protests, and protecting Jewish communities. The College of Policing and National Police Chiefs' Council will brief all police commanders on antisemitic chanting and the use of face coverings at protests this weekend.
Extra funding for Jewish community protection
The UK government has allocated £18 million in total funding for the Jewish Community Protection Security grant for 2023-24. The Community Security Trust (CST), which works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events, welcomed the additional funding. The CST met with police chiefs and the Home Secretary this morning following 139 antisemitic attacks in the UK in just five days.
Universities urged to crack down on antisemitic abuse
UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has written to university chancellors urging them to take swift action against antisemitic abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The letter also asks universities to pay attention to any invitations issued to speakers on the subject of Israel to ensure that such events do not provide a platform for illegal speech. The move comes as antisemitic abuses surge across UK universities.
BBC criticized for not labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization
There has been growing criticism of the BBC's refusal to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. A 22-year-old Jewish sports reporter with the broadcaster, Noah Abrahams, recently quit his job over the issue, stating that the BBC's refusal to use the correct terminology is unjustifiable. Meanwhile, King Charles of Buckingham Palace met with the UK's Chief Rabbi to offer support and solidarity. The pair discussed ways to promote interfaith harmony and find a path to peace internationally.
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