Published on: October 13, 2024
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“We Were Few, Now We Are Thousands” – British Jews Vow to Continue Protests Against Israel (Video)
Over the past year of Israel’s war on Gaza, Jewish voices—particularly in Britain—have grown louder and more resolute in their opposition to the Israeli government’s policies of killing, displacement, and genocide.
In an exclusive report, Al Jazeera Mubasher spoke with British Jewish activists in Manchester, who have dedicated their time and efforts to organizing anti-war campaigns, despite facing intense pressure.
“Never Again Means Never Again for Everyone”
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Robert Lizar, a Jewish lawyer, invoked the lessons of history:
“I speak as a Jew who grew up under the shadow of the Nazi genocide in Europe. The lesson we learned is summarized in one phrase: ‘Never again.’ And that applies to all people.”
Lizar described the horror of witnessing what he called an ongoing genocide by the Israeli occupation, emphasizing that he and others are standing up to demand an end to the killing.
“We are calling for a ceasefire, and we demand that Western governments—the US and the UK—stop blindly following Israel’s orders like slaves, without any critical thought.”
A Growing Jewish Movement for Palestine
Nicolina Miller, a British activist from Jewish Action for Palestine, expressed her grief over the atrocities committed in Gaza, stressing that the events of October 7 were preceded by years of Israeli oppression against Palestinians.
“I am part of a growing movement, and many of us are speaking out about what’s happening in Gaza. More people are waking up and becoming aware. That’s the only positive thing in this horrific situation.”
Miller highlighted their efforts to push for a ban on arms sales to Israel, stating:
“We don’t want to manufacture weapons that wipe out entire families from the face of the earth.”
“We Must End Israel’s Apartheid and Genocide”
Katie Rubin, from the Jewish activist group Na’amod, explained the mission of their organization:
“We are a large collective of British Jews against Israel’s occupation and apartheid. We firmly believe that the genocide against Palestinians must stop, and we absolutely condemn the Israeli government’s actions.”
From a Minority to a Mass Movement
Jewish activist Mark Krantz pointed out the surge in Jewish opposition to Israeli aggression, recalling his own experience:
“Years ago, when I opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, I was among the very few. But today, we are thousands, protesting against genocide. We refuse to let the humanity of Palestinians and Muslims be erased.”
Krantz emphasized that Israel’s war since October 7 is not about protecting Jews, but about reshaping the Middle East for geopolitical interests.
A Historic Shift in Jewish Solidarity
The protests and activism of British Jews against Israel’s occupation and military aggression mark a significant shift in global Jewish discourse on Palestine. With thousands now speaking out—from students to lawyers, from grassroots movements to high-profile figures—the voices of those opposing Israel’s war crimes continue to grow, despite fierce opposition and censorship.
As these activists reaffirm: “Never Again” must apply to all people—Palestinians included.
