Antisemitic Attack Targets Jews at London Pride March as Police Stand By

During the London Pride march on Saturday, at least two Jewish participants were subjected to antisemitic abuse while police officers present did not intervene or make any arrests. The incident, captured on social media, showed attackers shouting slogans such as "Return to your Zionist homeland" and accusing Jews of killing Arab and gay children, referencing the conflict in Gaza. One attacker called Jews "the most hated people in the world," while a woman was filmed verbally abusing a Jewish participant with explicit language.

Despite the Metropolitan Police's prior assurance of a strong presence to ensure safety for tens of thousands of attendees, officers were seen standing nearby without taking action against the perpetrators. The police have acknowledged the videos and are reviewing the footage to investigate the circumstances. Antisemitism watchdog groups have demanded that those responsible be identified and prosecuted, emphasizing that Jews deserve equal legal protection despite feeling excluded from some inclusive movements.

This attack adds to a rising trend of antisemitic incidents in London, which saw a record 140 hate crimes against Jews in April 2026, up from 98 in March and 67 in February. The borough of Barnet, home to a large Jewish community, recorded the highest number of cases. Recent months have included violent assaults, arson attempts at synagogues, and vandalism of memorials. Following a surge in antisemitic crimes after the Hamas-Israel conflict in late 2023, the Metropolitan Police established a dedicated "Community Protection Unit" with 100 officers to combat antisemitism. However, calls have been made to triple the unit's size and funding to £35 million annually to better address the issue.