A Jewish Council has called for an ‘immediate investigation’ after claims two Jewish survivors of the October 7 attacks faced ‘discriminatory’ treatment by Border Force officials at Manchester Airport.
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region said the two men, who are Israeli nationals, travelled from Brussels to Manchester on Sunday (March 24). In a letter posted on their social media pages, the Council said the men had travelled to the UK to ‘speak of their experiences as survivors of terrorism’ and ‘raise awareness’ for a not-for-profit organisation they set up to help survivors of terror attacks.
The letter claims the pair were pulled aside for questioning by Border Force officials after explaining the reason for their visit. They were then detained for two hours, before being told officials ‘had to make sure that you are not going to do what you are doing in Gaza over here,’ it alleges.
A Home Office spokesperson said they are ‘aware’ of the complaint and are investigating, adding ‘we do not tolerate antisemitism, in any forms, anywhere’. Home Secretary James Cleverly also tweeted confirming the incident is being investigated.
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The letter’s author Marc Levy, chief executive of the Council, told the Manchester Evening News he has not yet had a response from the Home Office over the allegations.
The letter states the two men were responsible for the rescue of a number of other survivors of the Re’im music festival attack on October 7 last year, during which around 1,200 people died after Hamas-led gunmen opened fire. More than 240 people were also taken hostage.
“The only reason for their detention and interrogation was because they are Israeli,” the letter continues. It also states the Council is in possession of a video which allegedly shows a male officer ‘speaking in aggressive terms to the two males’.
“We unequivocally condemn the fact that Israeli nationals were detained and subjected to abuse by a Border Police Officer,” the letter continues. “This comment upon their release proves beyond any doubt that this individual was motivated by anti-Semitic intent.”
Manchester Airport said they are in contact with the Home Office over the claims. A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of the complaint made against Border Force staff at Manchester Airport and are investigating these claims.
“While the facts and circumstances are being established, it must be reiterated that we do not tolerate antisemitism, in any forms, anywhere.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
