Suella called it like it is - Britain's streets are less safe tonight - Comment

This afternoon I received a message from a friend in Israel asking how I was doing. Having read reports about spiralling antisemitism in the UK as well as the outpouring of anti-Jewish sentiment on our streets she wondered if I was okay.

So, to be clear. This was from someone whose country is fighting a bitter war with Hamas.

A prescribed terrorist organisation whose heinous actions on October 7 led to the mass slaughter in cold blood of 1400 people, kidnap of over 240 (including a baby of 10 months old,) as well as the rape, mutilation, and beheadings of her countrymen. All of which has in turn unleashed untold misery on the people of Gaza.

Yet she was asking how I was doing?

The answer? Well, as a Jewish person in the UK and a hitherto proud citizen of this country, I am feeling nervous, fearful and heart sick.

For since Hamas broke its May 2021 ceasefire with Israel in the most barbaric and savage way five weeks ago, the outrage has been the perfect trojan horse for a torrent of Jew hatred on our streets.

Not least amongst those who have used the excuse of peaceful protest to peddle their filth and bigotry (“Gaza is twinned with Auschwitz” was one especially lovely placard on display on Saturday's march.)

However despite the bleak figures documenting the rise in antisemitic incidents - Police in London reported that antisemitic attacks increased by more than 1350% in the first two weeks of October - one thing offered succour. The fact that the Home Secretary understood the existential threat and called it out. Now that Suella Braverman has been sacked, the vulnerability amongst Jewish friends, family and colleagues in this country is palpable.

For what gave many in the Jewish community strength during the dark days of antisemitic outrage, was the position of the Home – or rather ex – Home Secretary.

Her robust and unequivocal stance spoke for those, not just Jewish people, who believe in law and order, respect, and tolerance.

A voice of reason, she saw hatred and gave it a name.

Not least in the phrase “from the river to the sea” – a staple of antisemitic discourse since it refers to the eradication of Israel which lies between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean.

As Braverman said: “To hear it shouted in public causes alarm not just to Jews but to all decent people. Those who promote hate on Britain’s streets should realise that our tolerance has limits.”

Of course, there were those on the marches who legitimately wanted to make peaceful protests about their views on Israel in response to Hamas’ unprovoked attack.

But given their size even a small number of hate mongers and extremists are enough to give Jewish people pause.

Afterall the UK Jewish community numbers just 300,000 – ironically the estimated size of Saturday's march.

Remember also that the first of these marches - October 14 - occurred before Israel had started its military offensive against Hamas.

Hateful expressions of antisemitism were manifest from the get go - reflecting how age-old Jew hatred bubbles under the surface waiting for a legitimate conduit through its poison can flow.

Suella Braverman spoke out, because she refused to accept the light touch of police orthodoxy, making it clear she wouldn’t tolerate the outpouring of hatred on our streets. She called out the “sick, inflammatory and, in some cases, clearly criminal” chants and placards at the pro-Palestinian march on Armistice Day

Her demands for “further action” as she warned that London’s streets are “being polluted by hate, violence and antisemitism” revealed her strength and her purpose in fighting racism on our streets.

She understood that those with a visceral hatred for Israel would see Jewish people as inextricably linked with the Jewish state and make them a target.

Now, however, she has been sacked.

A weak move and stupid move by Rishi Sunak.

Of course, Braverman went off script with an unapproved article for the Times. For failing to follow rules she should have rightly been censured. But in fulfilling the mandate of the great office of home secretary – namely national security, law and order - she demonstrated her absolute suitability for the role in dealing with a toxic situation that will only get worse as Israel battles to defend itself from genocidal attack and secure the release of the hostages.

So, thank you, Rishi. A man who speaks in solidarity with the Jewish community has made the likes of me feel less safe. In editing Braverman’s approach he has given succour to those who would peddle hatred on our streets. Whilst those further afield will interpret the PM as one who backs down when it comes to protecting the Jewish community.

A terrible day, indeed.