British Jews need active solidarity from the moderate majority to combat antisemitism
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/sarah-sackman. "The moderate majority needs to wake up in the fight against antisemitism | Sarah Sackman | The Guardian." May 2, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that British Jews are scared and isolated due to rising antisemitism, and that police protection isn't enough. She says ordinary British people need to actively stand up for Jews through concrete actions like calling out antisemitic comments and avoiding events with antisemitic performers, rather than just offering sympathy.
Conclusion
Combating antisemitism requires not just government security measures, but active solidarity and allyship from Britain's moderate majority through concrete actions and community building
Premises
- British Jews are experiencing escalating threats, violence and terror that make them feel isolated and afraid
- Government security measures alone (police, CCTV, laws) are insufficient to address the root attitudes that fuel antisemitism
- The moderate majority and key institutions (universities, tech platforms, civil society) have largely failed to show meaningful solidarity with Jewish communities
- Interfaith solidarity and community cohesion have proven brittle since 9/11 and especially since October 7, 2023
- Real solidarity requires concrete actions like calling out antisemitism, avoiding events with antisemitic performers, and questioning whether certain protests near synagogues help Palestinians or just frighten Jews
- Successful examples of interfaith solidarity exist, as demonstrated by the reciprocal support between Finchley Reform Synagogue and the Somali Bravanese community
- A Britain that treats Jews with dignity benefits all Britons
Assumptions
- There exists a moderate majority in Britain that could act but currently chooses not to
- Antisemitism is primarily driven by attitudes that can be changed through education and social pressure
- Community cohesion can be built through deliberate effort and investment
- Non-Jewish communities have a moral responsibility to actively support Jewish communities
- Individual actions by ordinary citizens can meaningfully impact societal antisemitism