People who chant “globalize the Intifada” and other such chants will be arrested by UK police, following the Metropolitan Police’s decision to strengthen existing regulations. The announcement was made by the Met and Greater Manchester Police on Wednesday in light of the antisemitic terror attack on Bondi Beach that led to 15 deaths on Sunday.
“We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘Globalize the intifada,’ and those using it at future protests or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action,” the statement read. “Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.”
All officers will be briefed on this enhanced approach.
Additionally, the police will be using powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services.
Police intensifying investigations into hate crimes
Visible patrols and protective security measures around synagogues, schools, and community venues have been stepped up in London and Greater Manchester. The police are also intensifying investigations into hate crimes, and Counter Terrorism Policing will continue to operate 24/7 to identify and disrupt threats.
“Our intent is clear: create a hostile environment for offenders and a safer environment for Jewish communities, while protecting lawful protest. All members of society have a responsibility to consider their impact on others. It is possible to protest in support of Palestinian people without intimidating Jewish communities or breaking the law.”
The police also stated that the existing laws surrounding terror attacks are “inadequate,” and therefore it welcomed the fact that the Home Secretary has asked Lord Ken Macdonald KC to review the current public order and hate crime legislation.
It added that the words and chants used, especially in protests, “matter and have real-world consequences.” The police have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities – such as “from the river to the sea” – don’t meet prosecution thresholds. “Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive.”
Phil Rosenberg, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the news.
“We have long warned that people chanting slogans like ‘Globalize the Intifada’ are inciting violence, and we have been making the case for robust enforcement in relation to this slogan with government at all levels for some time.”
“We have seen the results of hate-filled slogans in murderous attacks around the world, including in Manchester, the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Boulder [in] Colorado, and this week in Bondi Beach.”
Rosenberg added that the new approach did not come soon enough for Adrian Daulby, Melvin Cravitz [the victims of the Manchester synagogue attack on Yom Kippur], or the victims at Bondi Beach, “but if we see this clarity and determination replicated across public authorities, media, and civil society, we will stand a far better chance of protecting our community and this country from further hate and violence.”