Andy Burnham marks Oct 7 anniversary with vow to stamp out antisemitism

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday marked the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks in Israel with a pledge to stamp out antisemitism and violence targeting the Jewish community in the UK. Events were held across the country to commemorate the anniversary, including a vigil in central London, while pro-Palestinian protests were also organised by students.

In a statement from 10 Downing Street, Burnham said the UK stood with Jews in Britain and would not tolerate abuse or violence against them. The anniversary comes three years after the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, after which Israel launched a major military offensive in Gaza in which more than 74,200 people have been killed.

"Three years on from the October 7 attacks on Israel, we remember those who were senselessly killed by Hamas terrorists," Burnham said. "The impact of the attacks has been felt not just in Israel, but in Jewish communities across the world who still bear the burden of the tragic events that day. I want Britain's Jewish community to hear this from me directly. We stand with you. Abuse and violence against you, in any form, will not be tolerated. Not on our streets, not online, not in our schools or universities." He also referred to the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester last year among several "attacks against Jewish people and institutions" in the UK since October 2023. "At home, we are committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred. Abroad, we continue to work towards a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security. An attack on Jewish people in Britain is an attack on all of us. Antisemitism has no place in this country, and we will do everything we can to stamp it out," he said.

British Jewish organisations gathered in central London for a vigil honouring those killed in the October 7 attacks. "Three years ago, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, murdering 1,200 men, women and children, injuring thousands and taking 251 people captive. May their memories forever remain a blessing," the Board of Deputies of British Jews said in a statement. The Jewish Leadership Council said the attacks had been "the deadliest day for our people since the Holocaust". The Israeli Embassy in London expressed "deep sadness" over what it said was the British government's changed position towards Israel from the solidarity shown in the first days after the attacks, and added that the atmosphere for Jewish people in the UK "continues to worsen".

The commemorations coincided with hundreds of students taking part in pro-Palestinian protests across the country, despite calls from political leaders and police to hold them on another day. "I want to send a message to anyone intending to join that march: please reflect on the impact and distress it will cause on this very significant date, and exercise your right to protest on a different day," said Ade Adelekan, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Police imposed strict conditions on the London march, including a fixed route for the rally. Similar pro-Palestine rallies led by student societies were also held at Scottish universities.

The day was marked in the UK by official statements, community commemorations and protests, with Burnham reiterating support for Britain's Jewish community and a commitment to tackle antisemitism, while police sought to manage demonstrations held on the anniversary.

With PTI Inputs

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