In the aftermath of the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester in which two Jewish worshipers were murdered, the British Telegraph reported recently of another shocking case of antisemitism that occurred on August 29. A Jewish lawyer was arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Israeli embassy, not because he had committed a crime but simply because he was wearing a small Star of David pendant. The lawyer, in his 40s, was questioned for about 10 hours before being released on bail.
According to the report, the police claimed that the pendant “upset” pro-Palestinian activists, though a police spokesman denied this and claimed the lawyer was arrested for violating public order during the demonstration.
These events did not occur in a vacuum. According to data from the Community Security Trust, in the first half of 2025, over 1,500 antisemitic incidents were recorded across the UK, an average of more than 200 cases per month. This is an almost unprecedented peak level that reflects physical harm, desecration of property, vandalism of synagogues, and open incitement on social media and at public events.
A test for British society
British society is facing a critical test for its future. If the Star of David has become a provocative symbol, it means that the dangerous line where Jewish identity is labeled as a crime has already been crossed. In a reality where government institutions, in the name of public order, legitimize hatred under the guise of neutrality, this is the shedding of Jewish blood. It is permissible to demonstrate with pro-Gaza slogans, but it is forbidden to wear a symbol of faith.
Antisemitism in Britain is not only taking place on the streets but also seeps onto sports fields. The Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team announced that, out of concern for the safety of its fans, it was waiving the allocation of away tickets to its fans for the Europa League match at Aston Villa, which is to take place next week. This follows the decision of the English club to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from entering.
The point of no return to which the UK is racing is not only between the Jews and the British government but between England and itself. The British government, which prided itself on tolerance and freedom of expression, finds itself at best “apologizing” for the Jewish presence on the streets and at worst aligning itself with nationalists and extremists.
The immigration issue
British society is in a deep social and identity crisis in light of the large waves of immigration that have arrived in the UK in recent years. The change in the demographic balance is seeping through, and it seems that the British do not know how to get out of this situation.
I recently returned from a visit to London and was surprised by the large number of immigrants. In the British capital, over 40% of the population are immigrants.
Britain must choose whether it will continue to be liberal and tolerant toward Jews, in line with its attitude toward other immigrants, or whether it will surrender to the antisemitic mob that is demonstrating on the streets. If a Jew is forced to hide his Star of David in London, it is a sign that something is wrong in the United Kingdom.
The arrest of the Jewish lawyer is not just another passing headline on the news channels. This arrest is a wake-up call for the British government in the fight against antisemitism, in the fight for the soul of England.
The writer is a lawyer and strategic adviser.