Jonathan Walker

Today marks three years since the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. I say since the Holocaust because, throughout history, Jewish people have been subjected to massacres and pogroms. This pernicious and ancient hatred, sometimes described as a light sleeper, feels very much awake and at large today. We know what Hamas did on October 7th, because they filmed it and showed it to the world - proud of their barbarity and depravity. There is no justification - there can be no justification - for such extraordinary acts of evil: setting homes on fire, taking hostages, rape, killing, mutilation of bodies. I am in awe of those survivors who share their testimony with the world to confront those who would look the other way and grieve for those who did not return home. What was so striking here in the UK was that, alongside an outpouring of solidarity for the people of Israel and the Jewish community, there was an immediate and sharp rise in antisemitism. Israel’s war in Gaza does not warrant nor justify hatred towards Jewish people or Israelis, but the fact that this spike in antisemitism took place before the war and in the immediate aftermath of a deadly attack on Jewish people in Israel is chilling. Attacks on the Jewish community - from Golders Green to Heaton Park - have been met with greater investment in security. But our response to antisemitism requires more from each of us. Antisemitism can’t be defeated simply with higher walls and thicker doors. It is a battle of hearts, minds and souls. Consider this: as a Member of Parliament, I go through tougher security to enter one of my local Jewish primary and secondary schools than I do to enter my own constituency office. In Britain, in this decade of the 21st century. This is not the day to debate British foreign policy, or Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. I know there are people affected by antisemitism - among them longstanding friends - in Britain who are very critical of my position and the position of the Government. While we do not support Israel’s occupation in Palestine, we do stand against those who want to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth and those who do not support the right of the Jewish people to self-determination. Zionism is not racism. The Jewish people have the same right to self-determination as others. We have taken action to defend Israel and defeat those who threaten innocent lives in the past and we will do so again as necessary. Finally, I want to send a message to the Union of Jewish Students. More than 20 years ago you taught me about antisemitism and my generation of student leaders thought that the banning of student Jewish societies was a type of antisemitism confined to history. Today’s generation of Jewish student leaders are confronting a far bigger challenge than we faced. Student marches planned for this anniversary are shameful. It is vital that Jewish students do not stand alone. Today, we all face a choice. We can be bystanders to antisemitism or we can be upstanders for the values that represent the best of this country. But be in no doubt: to remain silent is not a neutral act. It is complicity in racism. On this anniversary those of us who are not Jewish have a responsibility to speak up, to stand against antisemitism, and to stand up for this country’s values.