New guidance for policing anti-Israel protests amid fears of escalating violence

PM summons police chiefs and allocates emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues

Concerns are growing over a potential surge in anti-Israel protests, with fears that thousands may descend on Whitehall this weekend. In response, the Prime Minister has summoned police chiefs to No10 and allocated £3 million of emergency funding to safeguard Jewish schools and synagogues across the country. Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, hosted a round table in No10 today with ministers, representatives from the Jewish community, and police chiefs to discuss the escalating situation.

Crackdown on terrorism glorification and rise in antisemitic attacks

During the meeting, Mr. Sunak assured the police that they have his full support in cracking down on anyone glorifying terrorism. This comes in light of a 400% increase in antisemitic attacks last week. Khalid Mashal, the founder of terror group Hamas, recently called for a global day of rage against supporters of Israel on October 13. The Prime Minister has warned that the attack in Israel last week was the third worst terror atrocity since the 1970s, and there are concerns that the backlash could spill onto the streets of Britain.

Increased funding for Jewish Community Protection Security

As part of today's announcement, the funding for the Jewish Community Protection Security grant has been increased to £18 million for the year 2023-24. This grant supports the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization that works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events. CST representatives met with the police and the Home Secretary this morning following 139 antisemitic attacks in the UK within just five days.

New guidance for handling "provocative protests"

The Home Secretary, Attorney General, and Policing Minister have drawn up new guidance for handling "provocative protests" by pro-Palestine and Hamas supporting demonstrators. The aim is to ensure a consistent and clear approach is taken to tackling hate crime, policing protests, and protecting Jewish communities. The police have been assured that they have the full backing of the government in dealing with any glorification of terrorism.

Zero tolerance for antisemitism

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, has urged the police chiefs to use their existing powers to prevent any protests from blocking access to Jewish community buildings or Israel's embassy in Kensington, West London. She stressed that there should be zero tolerance for antisemitism and called for immediate action to crack down on criminal behavior both on the streets and online.

Support for Jewish schools and universities

In response to safety concerns, Jewish schools in Amsterdam will be closed tomorrow. In the UK, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has issued a stern warning to university chancellors about the surges in antisemitic abuse across UK universities. She urged them to act quickly and appropriately in response to any incidents and to pay attention to invitations to speakers on the subject to prevent the platforming of illegal speech.

BBC under fire for refusing to label Hamas as a terrorist organization

The BBC is facing criticism for its refusal to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. In protest, Noah Abrahams, a 22-year-old Jewish sports reporter, has quit his job at the broadcaster, citing the BBC's unjustifiable refusal to use the correct terminology.

King Charles and Chief Rabbi discuss interfaith harmony and peace

King Charles met with the UK's Chief Rabbi at Buckingham Palace earlier today to express his support and solidarity. They discussed ways to promote interfaith harmony in the UK and expressed hope for finding a path to peace internationally. The Chief Rabbi also met with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who offered his unwavering support to the Jewish community in the United Kingdom and the State of Israel.