More than six thousand people took to the streets of Manchester to march against antisemitism, the wake of the ongoing Israel and Hamas conflict.
Last Sunday, groups from across the UK including London, Liverpool, Glasgow and North Wales, joined Manchester’s Jewish community to stand up against antisemitism in a march spanning across the city and ending at Castlefield Bowl.
Politicians and religious leaders gathered to address the crowd, including Security minister Tom Tugendhat, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
The march was organised in the wake of the ongoing conflict in the middle east which has seen soaring rates of antisemitism and islamophobia in the UK as a result, and in Manchester, where rates of antisemitism increased ninefold from September to October.
Mark Adlestone, chair of the Jewish Representative Council who organised the event, said: “We have lived in our wonderful city for generations and will continue to be proud British Jews who proactively contribute to our society.
“I would also like to thank the many people from outside the Jewish community who continue to stand in solidarity with us during this time. Their support is valued and appreciated.”
In November, 50,000 gathered in London to similarly march against increasing instances of antisemitism.
Lord John Mann, the government independent adviser on antisemitism, who chaired the event said; “When we discussed the idea of this event we never once asked the question would Manchester come, would the north come- of course they did.”
Featured image by Meg Byrom
