Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets of Manchester today for a demonstration against anti-Semitism.
Organisers believe it will be one of the city region’s largest single gatherings of Jewish people and supporters ever.
The demonstration, which has been organised by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, is due to start at 2pm and involves a march through the centre of Manchester followed by speeches.
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Writing exclusively for the Manchester Evening News this week, the council’s chairman, Mark Adlestone, said the march would be peaceful, dignified and reflective. He said it would ‘reiterate that Greater Manchester will combat hate in all its manifestations whilst simultaneously side-lining those extremists who seek to harm the peace and tranquillity we cherish’.
“That is what we know Greater Manchester stands for, but we need a public show of support to prove it to all our communities and our entire city,” said Mr Adlestone, a former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester is home to the UK’s largest Jewish community outside Greater London.
Anti-Jewish hate has spiked in Greater Manchester and across the country since Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the UK government, attacked Israel on October 7 last year. It has led to a bitter and bloody conflict in the Middle East, with subsequent loss of life in Gaza after Israeli attacks on Palestine.
The Community Security Trust, which works within Jewish communities to offer security advice and support, said in its latest report that 338 anti-Semitic incidents have been recorded here in Greater Manchester since the Hamas attack on Israel. The current figure, however, is likely to be far higher.
Follow live updates in our blog below…
15:06Thomas George
‘We stand against all forms of hatred’
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is now talking to the crowds.
“We stand against all forms of hatred,” he says. “We stand with and empathise with everyone who is suffering right now. The loss of every human life is a tragedy and we pray for peace for all.”
15:02Thomas George
Lisa Nandy addresses crowd
Mark Addlestone OBE, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council GM, and Lisa Nandy have both addressed the crowd.
“We stand together against the poison of antisemitism” Ms Nandy said to applause.
14:46Thomas George
‘Crowds asked to spread out for safety’
Crowds are being asked to spread out for their safety due to the thousands in attendance at Castlefield Bowl.
14:36Thomas George
Crowds gathering ahead of speeches
Protesters are now gathering in Castlefield Bowl ahead of the speeches. Organisers of today’s march say it is one of Greater Manchester’s largest single gatherings of Jewish people and supporters ever.
14:24Thomas George
Demonstrators heading towards Castlefield Bowl
Thousands are believed to have attended the demonstration, which is now making its way towards Castlefield Bowl, where it is expected a number of speeches will be given.
14:16Thomas George
March under way
The march is now under way. James has been following the demonstration down Deansgate and has recorded a Facebook Live, which you can watch below.
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14:13Thomas George
MPs in attendance
Several Greater Manchester MPs are among those who have attended the demonstration this afternoon. They include Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, Chris Green, the Conservative MP for Bolton West, and Lisa Nandy, the Labour MP for Wigan.
14:08Thomas George
Heightened police presence
There is a heightened police presence and a number of stewards in attendance to ensure the march passes peacefully through the city.
Deansgate has been closed off to allow the march to pass through.
14:05Thomas George
‘No Room for Antisemitism’
Posters with “No Room for Antisemitism” and “Enough is Enough, call out Jew hatred” have been passed out ahead of the march.
14:03Thomas George
Crowds gathering
Crowds are gathering ahead of the march, which will head towards Castlefield Bowl. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, which has organised the demonstration, said the Jewish community was “declaring that we are strong, united, determined and we will not be silent”.
14:00Thomas George
‘Hundreds have turned out’
Our reporter James Holt is in the city centre ahead of the “March Against Antisemitism” this afternoon where hundreds have turned out.
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.
