London, Oct 7 (PTI) British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday marked the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks in Israel with a pledge to stamp out antisemitism and violence targeted at the country’s Jewish community.
In a statement from 10 Downing Street in London, Burnham said the UK stands with Jews in Britain and that abuse and violence targeted at the community would not be tolerated.
His statement came as a series of events were held across the UK to commemorate the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, which retaliated by launching a major military offensive in Gaza in which more than 74,200 people have been killed.
“Three years on from the October 7 attacks on Israel, we remember those who were senselessly killed by Hamas terrorists,” stated Burnham.
“The impact of the attacks has been felt not just in Israel, but in Jewish communities across the world who still bear the burden of the tragic events that day.
“I want Britain’s Jewish community to hear this from me directly. We stand with you. Abuse and violence against you, in any form, will not be tolerated. Not on our streets, not online, not in our schools or universities,” he said.
The British Prime Minister referenced the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester last year among several “attacks against Jewish people and institutions” in the UK since October 2023.
“At home, we are committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred. Abroad, we continue to work towards a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security. An attack on Jewish people in Britain is an attack on all of us. Antisemitism has no place in this country, and we will do everything we can to stamp it out,” said Burnham.
Meanwhile, British Jewish organisations gathered in central London for a vigil honouring victims of the October 7 attacks.
“Three years ago, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, murdering 1,200 men, women and children, injuring thousands and taking 251 people captive. May their memories forever remain a blessing,” the Board of Deputies of British Jews said in a statement.
The Jewish Leadership Council said the attacks had been “the deadliest day for our people since the Holocaust.”
The Israeli Embassy in London expressed “deep sadness” over the position of the British government towards Israel, which it claimed has changed so “substantially from the solidarity expressed in those first days”. It added that the atmosphere for Jewish people “continues to worsen” in the UK.
The commemorations coincided with hundreds of students turning out for pro-Palestinian protests across the country on the third anniversary of the attacks, amid calls from political leaders and police to reschedule.
“I want to send a message to anyone intending to join that march: please reflect on the impact and distress it will cause on this very significant date, and exercise your right to protest on a different day,” said Ade Adelekan, the Metropolitan Police’s assistant commissioner.
The police force imposed strict conditions on the march in London, ensuring a set route for the rally. Similar pro-Palestine rallies led by student societies also took place at Scottish universities. PTI AK ZH
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