102-Year-Old Jewish WWII Veteran Warns of Rising Antisemitism in Britain

Monty Goldstein, a 102-year-old Jewish veteran who served in the British Army during World War II, expressed deep concern over the resurgence of antisemitism in Britain more than 80 years after he fought to protect the country. In an interview with the British news agency PA, Goldstein described the current reality for Jews in Britain as reminiscent of darker times in his past, questioning why he and others face such hostility despite their loyalty and contributions to the country.

Goldstein served in an anti-aircraft unit defending London from German bombings and recalled encountering antisemitism in his youth, particularly during the era of Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists. However, he is disheartened that antisemitism persists and has intensified, especially in areas like Golders Green, where some Jewish residents fear walking the streets. He lamented that modern England "is no longer the same country" he grew up in.

He emphasized his identity as a loyal British citizen who has always tried to be a good citizen and pay his taxes, yet still faces attacks. Goldstein highlighted recent antisemitic incidents in Britain, including the stabbing of two Jews in Golders Green in April and the arson attack on a former synagogue in Whitechapel in May. He called on the education system to do more to combat hatred against Jews, noting that some groups teach antisemitism without justification.

Born in East London in July 1924, Goldstein was conscripted in 1943 and has been active in the Jewish veterans’ organization AJEX since 1945, regularly attending memorial ceremonies. He believes Britain has lost some of its national pride, with some citizens afraid to openly identify as English or display the flag. Despite these challenges, Goldstein remains optimistic, celebrating his 102nd birthday with family and expressing gratitude for each new day, while noting that few of his wartime comrades remain alive today.