Standing Strong Rally Calls for Unity Amid Surge in Antisemitic Hate Crimes

On 10 May 2026, thousands of people gathered outside Downing Street at 1 pm for the “Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism” rally, which was backed by more than 30 Jewish groups. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council invited Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the Work and Pensions Secretary; Green Party leader Zack Polanski was excluded.

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April saw London’s antisemitic hate-crime count rise to a two-year peak, prompting the Metropolitan Police to deploy an extra 100 officers to protect Jewish neighborhoods. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the national threat level to “severe” after the Golders Green stabbing, for which suspect Essa Suleiman faces an attempted-murder charge.

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Kemi Badenoch told the crowd she “stands with” the Jewish community and warned that global extremism threatens Britain. Ed Davey pledged a “zero-tolerance” police approach, urged Prevent reforms and the proscription of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Board of Deputies defended inviting Reform UK, citing its growing parliamentary presence; the Green Party said combating antisemitism needs consistent cross-party effort.

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Dr Ruvi Ziegler, a British-Israeli professor at the University of Reading, called Reform UK’s participation a “bear hug” from the far right. An open letter by We Democracy, signed by over 2,000 interfaith and community leaders, urged the withdrawal of Nigel Farage’s invitation, arguing the fight against antisemitism must rest on “solidarity, moral consistency and opposition to all forms of racism.” Critics noted that Green Party leader Zack Polanski was excluded because his party has not yet sufficiently tackled antisemitism.

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Lionel Blumenthal, a 91-year-old Golders Green resident, said he feels “angry and horrified” and no longer safe in his own country. Geraldine Hoynicki, 72, said she had never before felt threatened, describing a “wave of unfortunate incidents against Jews.” Both urged a stronger police presence and political accountability.

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The rally highlights mounting pressure on the UK government to address antisemitic hate crimes and expand police protection for Jewish communities. Authorities continue to prosecute Essa Suleiman, and parliamentary discussions on Prevent reforms and the proscription of extremist groups have been raised as next steps.

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• “I’m angry and horrified, this is not the country I grew up in, I no longer feel safe,” — Lionel Blumenthal, 91-year-old resident

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• “I am most worried about the growth of extremism and terror around the world,” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader

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• “we are going to fight to make sure people do feel safe in our country” — Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader

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• “Because there have been so many unfortunate incidents against Jews, and it continues,” — Geraldine Hoynicki, Jewish community member

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