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NBCDec 05, 2023
Tens of Thousands Participate in London's March Against Antisemitism
Image copyright: Guy Smallman/Getty Images
The Facts
Tens of thousands participated in London’s first large-scale demonstration against antisemitism on Sunday since Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
More than 100K people participated in the march — the largest demonstration against antisemitism since 1936. The event was in response to an uptick of antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Gaza conflict erupted. The Jewish Chronicle reported 1,124 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7 and Nov. 7 — a 500% increase.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The people of London marched in solidarity with the Jewish people against antisemitism following Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israeli civilians. However, the powerful and peaceful message of the event has been stained by the arrest of Tommy Robinson, a man who did nothing wrong. Robinson was simply looking to cover the event as a journalist, but was prohibited. Pro-Hamas savages have taken over London for weeks, targeting Jews and others, yet Metropolitan police are focused on arresting a peaceful journalist because of his politics.
Pro-establishment narrative
Far-right provocateur Tommy Robinson infiltrated the march against antisemitism and resisted arrest when police asked him to leave. The far-right is trying to co-opt the pro-Israel cause, and there was reason to believe that Robinson’s presence could have ignited violence at the demonstration. Tensions are at an all-time high, and police have a duty to keep people safe.