🔗 Share this article Senior Jewish Leader Urges ‘National Soul-Searching’ Following Violent Incident Britain's head Jewish cleric has stated that numerous members of the Jewish community and outside it are asking the reason demonstrations like the ones challenging the restriction targeting Palestine Action are permitted to continue. Chief Rabbi Sir Mirvis remarked: “A portion of them feature overt anti-Jewish sentiment, blatant support for Hamas. Not every person, however there is an abundance of such behavior, which proves undoubtedly dangerous to countless in our society.” Talking before his arrival to Manchester on Friday to join those mourning the killings of two men in a terrorist attack near a synagogue, he stressed a pressing requirement for national introspection.” The assault had occurred in the wake of what he called a persistent tide of hostility targeting Jewish people” on the nation's roads, campuses, social media and within certain parts in the press, the chief rabbi stated on a national radio broadcast. Emphasizing the phrase “globalise the intifada” – which many view as an incitement to violence aimed at Jewish people – he said the UK had seen “with tragic clarity” on Thursday the meaning of those words. Coming back to his characterization as broadcast in public spaces and on the internet, he noted: “So much of the material is so hateful and additionally, when there is the baseless vilification regarding Israel that leads directly into hostility toward Jews in the atmosphere across the nation which then fosters extremist behavior. The government should take note of that.” When asked concerning protests organized by advocates for Palestine urging a cessation to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and protests advocating for the lifting of the prohibition on the banned group the group Palestine Action, he responded that “a significant portion” of it was risky to many across the UK. “Since October 7th, 2023 we have seen numerous individuals who have wondered the reason these demonstrations are permitted to take place across our cities.” “You cannot separate the words in public forums, the deeds of people in this way and the outcomes necessarily occur … Both elements are directly linked and therefore we urge national authorities once more to take control over these protests since they prove hazardous.” Faith leaders also hold a specific role to play, the chief rabbi added, adding: “We must speak concerning managing our words, the views we share, how we express these thoughts and also a religious leader should promote coexistence and calm in our communities and in our homes.” His remarks came as the leader representing Israel, Isaac Herzog, commented that the recent day represented a “horrific day” for Jewish people in Britain, the wider UK, and Jews around the globe. “It is a shocking reminder of what we’ve been alerting for an extended period, that this wave of hatred toward Jews and anti-Jewish feelings worldwide eventually leads to violence,” he remarked to LBC radio. Among those calling for additional state measures regarding anti-Jewish hatred were former executive Danny Cohen, the former controller of BBC 1, who stated on Times Radio there should be a national investigation regarding anti-Jewish sentiment established straightaway” since “an issue has gone seriously flawed within the nation, and it requires prompt action.”