Tens of thousands rally in London in ‘wake-up call’ against antisemitism

Chief Rabbi Mirvis: “Antisemitism is rife right across the UK. You will see it. You will hear it. You will feel it. Britain, wake up now.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

An estimated 70,000 people marched through central London on Sunday in a large rally against antisemitism organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) and supported by Jewish community groups.

The demonstration began outside the BBC and ended at Parliament Square. CAA said the starting point was chosen to highlight what it called the broadcaster’s biased coverage of the Gaza war.

UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice, and former cabinet minister Michael Gove were among those addressing participants.

Government representatives were not present, despite invitations — a decision that CAA condemned as “scandalous” and damaging to public confidence in Labour’s commitment to Britain’s Jewish community.

Rabbi Mirvis told the crowd: “These are awful times. We have seen an explosion of hatred right across the UK. Antisemitism is rife right across the UK. You will see it. You will hear it. You will feel it. Britain, wake up now.”

The rally included a moment of silence for victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel and the blowing of a shofar ahead of the Jewish New Year. Marchers carried UK and Israeli flags and banners reading, “Britain, stand up for your values.”

The event followed mass arrests a day earlier at a pro-Palestine Action demonstration. CAAhad just published new polling showing antisemitic attitudes in Britain have nearly doubled since 2021. The Community Security Trust recorded more than 1,500 antisemitic incidents in the first half of 2025 — the second-highest figure ever for a six-month period.

Earlier on Sunday, the Campaign Against Antisemitism released new polling indicating a significant rise in anti-Jewish sentiment in Britain.

The survey found that more than 20% of adults now hold firmly antisemitic views — almost twice the rate recorded four years ago.

Nearly half of respondents — 45% — said they believe Israel treats Palestinians the way Nazis treated Jews — up from 33% in 2024. Among young adults aged 18 to 24, that figure climbed to 60%.