Keir Starmer & Nigel Farage Invited to Major London Anti-Antisemitism Rally

Political leaders from across the United Kingdom have been invited to take part in a major rally against antisemitism in central London this Sunday, as Jewish organizations call on the “silent majority” to stand in solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community.

The event, titled Standing Strong: Extinguish Antisemitism, is scheduled to begin outside 10 Downing Street at 1pm and has received backing from more than 30 Jewish organizations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering attending, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is expected to speak publicly at the rally.

Invitations were also extended to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey. However, Green Party leader Zack Polanski was notably excluded from the guest list, sparking criticism and political controversy.

The rally comes after months of growing concern over antisemitic incidents across Britain, including arson attacks targeting Jewish communities and the stabbing of two British Jews in Golders Green on April 29. Authorities later charged suspected attacker Essa Suleiman with attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Organizers say the demonstration is intended to send a strong national message against hatred and violence directed at Jewish people. Writing in the Jewish Chronicle, columnist Stephen Pollard urged non-Jewish Britons to join what he described as a “million mensch march,” using the Yiddish word “mensch” to describe a person of integrity and compassion.

Pollard argued that the march represents an opportunity for ordinary citizens to publicly reject antisemitism and show support for the Jewish community during a period of heightened fear and tension.

Despite widespread support for the rally’s anti-hate message, the inclusion of Farage and Reform UK has caused significant backlash among some Jewish activists and academics. Critics argue that inviting politicians accused of using divisive rhetoric undermines the rally’s broader message of unity and inclusion.

Ruvi Ziegler, a professor at the University of Reading, strongly criticized the decision to invite Reform UK figures, warning that far-right political movements were attempting to align themselves with Jewish causes for political gain.

A grassroots organization known as We Democracy coordinated an open letter signed by more than 2,000 people calling on organizers to revoke Farage’s invitation. The letter argued that the fight against antisemitism should also include opposition to racism, scapegoating, and inflammatory political rhetoric.

However, Michael Wegier defended the invitation, stating that Reform UK has become an increasingly influential political force that openly supports efforts to combat antisemitism.

Wegier also explained that the decision not to invite Polanski was linked to concerns that the Green Party had not done enough to address antisemitism allegations within its own ranks.

In response, a spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales criticized the exclusion, arguing that combating antisemitism requires cooperation across all political parties rather than further division.

Ahead of the rally, religious leaders from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Zoroastrian communities signed a joint open letter expressing solidarity with British Jews. The statement described antisemitism as “a problem for all of us to fix” and reaffirmed that Jewish people are an integral part of British society.

The letter, coordinated by the Together Coalition, was also endorsed by business groups, charities, sports organizations, and media leaders, reflecting growing concern about rising extremism and hate crimes in Britain.