UK Jews alarmed as anti-Israel politicians surge in elections

British Jews voiced growing concern after candidates accused of antisemitism and anti-Israel extremism made major gains in local UK elections.

In Hackney — home to Europe’s largest ultra-Orthodox Jewish community — Green Party politician Zoe Garbett won the mayoralty after campaigning against what she called “genocide” in Gaza. Green Party leader Zack Polanski also drew backlash over anti-Israel remarks and social media activity.

Other controversial winners included Green candidates Ifhat Shaheen and Saiqa Ali, alongside Reform UK politician Jay Leslie Cooper, who reportedly promoted Holocaust denial online.

The results come amid a surge in antisemitic attacks across Britain, intensifying fears within the Jewish community over the growing normalization of anti-Jewish rhetoric in politics.

AntisemitismDiasporaGreen PartyIfhat ShaheenJay Leslie CooperSaiqa AliUKUK electionsUnited KingdomZack PolanskiZoe Garbett