update desk

Protesters urge intifada at ‘Nakba Day’ in London

Thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against what they call Israeli “apartheid.”

Protesters march in London observing  “Nakba Day,” May 13, 2023. Photo by Loredana Sangiuliano/Shutterstock.
Protesters march in London observing “Nakba Day,” May 13, 2023. Photo by Loredana Sangiuliano/Shutterstock.

Protesters at an anti-Israel “Nakba Day” march in London on May 13 called for an “intifada” against Israeli “apartheid.”

Thousands attended the event on Saturday ahead of May 15, the day Palestinians observe the nakba—what they view as the “catastrophe” or “disaster” of the founding of modern-day Israel on May 14, 1948. Events marking the day routinely call for the “right of return” for displaced Palestinians and their descendants.

The London march, billed online as “Nakba 75—End Apartheid, End the Occupation,” began at the BBC’s central London headquarters and concluded some 1.5 miles away, outside the British prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street.

Video footage of the event shows protesters urging intifada as “the only solution” to the Arab-Israeli conflict, with posters accusing Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and even comparing the Jewish state to Nazi Germany.

Visible at the rally were members of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, the National Education Union, and the University and College Union. British political leaders also attended, including Jeremy Corbyn, former head of the British Labour Party. In March, the former opposition leader, an avowed Socialist and frequent Israel critic was blocked by Labour from future leadership.

Other high-profile figures included John McDonnell, a member of Parliament and Corbyn-era shadow chancellor; former Labour Party minister Clare Short; and Stephen Sizer, an Anglican vicar suspended from his ministry for “virulently antisemitic” remarks.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.
Never miss a thing
Get the best stories faster with JNS breaking news updates