Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces have announced they will make arrests of individuals seen carrying placards or chanting the phrase “globalise the intifada,” a term meaning uprising in Arabic. The police emphasized that the recent violent events have altered the context in which such expressions are used, stating, “Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.” This move also references the October attack on a synagogue in Manchester, highlighting concerns over rhetoric that may incite violence.
The police forces addressed community worries about the use of the slogan “globalise the intifada,” warning that those deploying this phrase at future demonstrations or in targeted ways should anticipate action from authorities. They confirmed that frontline officers will receive updated briefings on this policy, and that the powers under the Public Order Act will be applied, including imposing conditions around London synagogues during religious services. Security measures such as visible patrols and increased protection at synagogues, schools, and community centers have been intensified in London and Greater Manchester.
In response to the police statement, Ben Jamal, director of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, criticized the decision as an attempt to suppress political protest, saying, “another low in the political repression of protest for Palestinian rights.” He also criticized the lack of consultation with Palestinian community groups and protest organizers before the announcement, warning that the Sydney massacre should not serve as justification for restricting democratic rights to protest and free speech in the UK. Contrarily, groups such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the move, acknowledging long-standing concerns that slogans like “globalise the intifada” incite violence. Similarly, Gideon Falter of Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed skepticism, describing the ban as a “useless token measure” and questioning its enforceability.
The Jewish Voice for Liberation, which advocates for Jewish and Palestinian rights, expressed disagreement with the police response, stating they have rarely—if ever—witnessed antisemitism at demonstrations, noting that their community has generally been welcomed and that protests have not targeted synagogues or Jewish schools. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a boost in funding for Jewish security up to £28 million, acknowledging the necessity of the measure with regret. He also revealed plans to review laws concerning protests and hate crimes. The term “intifada” itself originated during the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation beginning in 1987 and has been interpreted in varying ways; some view it as a call for violence against Jews, while others see it as advocating peaceful resistance
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.