Rishi Sunak told worshippers that he “will stop at nothing” to keep Jewish people safe amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
The Prime Minister visited the United Synagogue in Finchley yesterday (October 9), just hours after a Kosher restaurant in Golders Green was vandalised.
He told people at the synagogue that “attempts to stir up community tensions” amid fighting in southern Israel and Gaza will not be tolerated.
It comes after Hamas militants infiltrated Israel and fired thousands of rockets on Saturday (October 7), killing hundreds of Israelis and kidnapping dozens more.
Israel has since vowed “mighty vengeance” for the attack, launching a bombing campaign in Gaza and cutting off electricity, food, fuel and water to its Palestinian population of some two million.
Mr Sunak told the United Synagogue: “I know that at moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe.
“We have already seen vile words on our streets and attempts to stir up community tensions.
“I say: Not here. Not in Britain. Not in our country. Not in this century.
“My first duty is to protect you. We will not tolerate this hate, we will not tolerate this antisemitism.
“And I promise you: I will stop at nothing to keep you safe.”
Yesterday (October 9), hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington.
Police separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups at High Street Kensington tube station.
In Westminster, around 2,000 people attended a Jewish community vigil, arranged by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council.
At least one north Londoner has been killed by Hamas, with another feared missing.
Nathanel Young, who attended JFS school in Kenton, was serving with the Israeli Defence Service when he was killed on the Gaza border on Saturday (October 7).
Jack Marlowe, 26, who went to the same London school as Mr Young and was working as as security guard at a music festival that was attacked, is also believed to be missing.
Husam Zomlot, the head of the Palestinian mission in London, condemned the killing of civilians by Hamas, but said Israel is seeking “sheer vengeance” in its retaliation.
Speaking at a Labour Party conference fringe event in Liverpool he said: “Cutting water and electricity from two million people is a collective punishment. It’s a war crime. It’s not going to lead anywhere.”
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