A huge demonstration against anti-Semitism will take place in Manchester city centre on Sunday, with many thousands of people expected to take part. Organisers believe it will be one of the city region's largest single gatherings of Jewish people and supporters ever.
Organised by the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, the demonstration will involve a march through the centre of Manchester followed by speeches.
Writing exclusively for the Manchester Evening News today the council's chairman, Mark Adlestone, said the march would be peaceful, dignified and reflective. He said it would 'reiterate that Greater Manchester will combat hate in all its manifestations whilst simultaneously side-lining those extremists who seek to harm the peace and tranquillity we cherish'.
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"That is what we know Greater Manchester stands for, but we need a public show of support to prove it to all our communities and our entire city," said Mr Adlestone, a former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.
Anti-Jewish hate has spiked in Greater Manchester and across the country since Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the UK government, attacked Israel on October 7 last year. It has led to a bitter and bloody conflict in the Middle East, with subsequent loss of life in Gaza after Israeli attacks on Palestine.
Mr Adlestone said he was both 'a proud British Jew and fourth generation immigrant' and that he continues to welcome new arrivals to the UK through citizenship ceremonies in his role as a Deputy Lieutenant. "Throughout my extensive work across communities, I always prioritise participating in interfaith networks and focus on maintaining community cohesion," he said.
"I have been privileged to visit all communities and have never hidden my identity. In fact, quite the opposite, I have always been proud to discuss my Jewish faith. I speak openly about accepting and celebrating our differences whilst coalescing around our shared ethics and values. My mantra is one of 'integration not assimilation'.
"When I became Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, I continued to ensure that we were active in this space.
"Just three days prior to the atrocities committed by Hamas, we hosted people from across Greater Manchester at an interfaith evening to celebrate Succot. Many of those who were present immediately reached out to show solidarity with the community following the murder of innocent civilians and the tragically familiar rise in anti-Semitic hate crime.
"The last few months have followed a familiar pattern where Jewish communities face a spike in hate crime due to the Middle East conflict. We have all been moved by the images on our television screens and the loss of innocent lives on both sides. I have made a concerted effort to attend meetings and interfaith gatherings to discuss how the situation is playing out on the streets of Greater Manchester.
"It is an anathema to me that hostilities taking place thousands of miles away can cause seismic divisions across Greater Manchester."
Mr Adlestone said he believes an 'element of extremism' has 'crept into certain sections of society'.
The Community Security Trust, which works within Jewish communities to offer security advice and support, said in its latest report that 338 anti-Semitic incidents have been recorded here in Greater Manchester since the Hamas attack on Israel. The current figure, however, is likely to be far higher.
Manchester is home to the UK's largest Jewish community outside Greater London
Mr Adlestone said: "Do these people know that their actions are leading to Jewish people questioning whether it is safe to send their children to school or visit certain parts of our city when there are marches?
"As our [Greater Manchester Police] Chief Constable said at a recent meeting, we should be reassured that 99.87 per cent of the Greater Manchester population were not marching, flying problematic flags and engaging in anti-Semitic chanting. This is noted but how do we speak with the overwhelming majority who themselves are potentially scared to attend a public event with the Jewish community due to the same extremists targeting and threatening them and their families?
"I know there are many people who have been troubled by witnessing the ugly conflation of the condemnation of the actions of Israel in defending herself from further horrific attacks turn into toxic hatred of the Jewish people here in Greater Manchester.
"I would ask those who feel that they would like to show their support to please join us on our peaceful and dignified march against anti-Semitism in Central Manchester at 2pm on Sunday. We will proudly be displaying Union Jack flags."
Mr Adlestone said that in his role, he plans to visit places of worship across Greater Manchester, especially where very few Jewish people live.
"It is not just conceivable but probable that there are many congregations who have never engaged with Jewish people," he added.
A spokesman for the Community Security Trust said: "CST will be working closely with Greater Manchester Police and the Jewish Representative Council to ensure that everyone from all communities and backgrounds can come together to show their opposition to anti-Semitism and their support for Manchester's Jewish community.
"The sharp increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes since October 7 is truly appalling and this march is an opportunity for all decent people to show their rejection of hatred and division."
Greater Manchester Police said the force was in regular dialogue with local authorities, faith and community leaders. A spokesman said: "Officers will be highly visible around public demonstrations. We want these events to pass off peacefully but we will intervene in incidents where criminal offences take place including situations where violence or hatred is deliberately being incited."
