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British Jews Rally Against UK Government’s Proscription of Palestine Action Group
London, Hundreds of British Jews gathered outside Parliament this week in a rare and powerful display of dissent, protesting the UK government’s decision to proscribe the pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action, as a terrorist organisation.
Chanting slogans such as “Not in our name” and “Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism,” demonstrators from across the Jewish community—including rabbis, students, and Holocaust survivors—voiced deep concern over what they see as the criminalisation of legitimate political dissent and solidarity with Palestinians.
The government announced last month that Palestine Action would be added to the list of proscribed terrorist organisations, citing the group’s record of direct action against companies with alleged ties to Israel’s military industry. Home Secretary Richard Holden defended the move as “necessary to maintain public safety and protect British interests,” claiming the group’s actions had “crossed the line into extremism.”
But many within the UK’s Jewish community disagree.
“Being Jewish does not mean we blindly support the Israeli government or occupation,” said Miriam Stein, a spokesperson for Jewish Network for Palestine. “The right to speak out against injustice—including the oppression of Palestinians—is a moral imperative rooted in our own history. This ban is deeply dangerous.”
Others highlighted concerns that the proscription could be used to intimidate or prosecute activists, even those engaged in non-violent protest.
Rabbi David Lazar, who travelled from Manchester to attend the protest, described the decision as “a chilling sign that the UK government is cracking down on civil liberties under the guise of counter-terrorism.”
Human rights organisations have also condemned the move. Amnesty International UK said the proscription could “set a precedent for the silencing of political activism” and warned it may disproportionately impact young activists from minority communities.
The rally was peaceful but defiant, with demonstrators holding placards reading “Jews for Free Speech” and “Solidarity with Palestine is not a crime.” Several speakers also warned of rising Islamophobia and the risks of conflating criticism of Israeli policy with hate speech.
The protest comes amid growing tensions in the UK over the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza earlier this year, which saw thousands killed and renewed calls for Britain to reassess its relationship with Israel.
Despite police presence, no arrests were reported, and organisers say they intend to continue their campaign to overturn the ban.
Attached is a news article regarding hundreds of British Jews
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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