For the
benefit of non-British readers, let me explain. Jews have been in Britain for centuries
and, while retaining their independent identity, they have long formed part of
the fabric of British society. Following
a steep and unprecedented rise in reported antisemitic incidents, and with a
sudden open articulation by many people of openly anti-Jewish and anti-Israel
sentiments, many members of this small Jewish population – estimated to be no
more than 270,000 souls – fear for their safety and question whether there is
still a long-term future for them in the United Kingdom. This fear has been
amplified by loss of confidence in the integrity and neutrality of the BBC,
whose error-filled and partisan reporting of events has been so painstakingly
chronicled and called out again and again by the US-based non-profit organization
Honest Reporting.
Yesterday’s
demonstration, in keeping with Jewish ethos, was peaceful and respected the large
police presence that had been provided in case of trouble. The demonstrators
did not call for anyone’s death or destruction, but rather for an end to the tolerance
of antisemitism and for the release of the 200+ hostages currently held in
Gaza.
Significantly,
the demonstrators paused by the Cenotaph to sing the National Anthem.
At Avot
3:2, Rabbi Chanina segan HaKohanim teaches:
הֱוֵי מִתְפַּלֵּל בִּשְׁלוֹמָהּ שֶׁל מַלְכוּת, שֶׁאִלְמָלֵא
מוֹרָאָהּ, אִישׁ אֶת רֵעֵֽהוּ חַיִּים בְּלָעוֹ
[Translation] “Pray for the integrity of the
government [literally “kingdom”]; for if it were not for the fear of its
authority, a man would swallow his neighbour alive”.
Jewish
communities in the United Kingdom have long incorporated this into their
Shabbat morning prayers. An English-language version recited in many synagogues
opens as follows:
“He who gives salvation to kings and dominion
to princes, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, may He bless:
Our sovereign lord King Charles,
Our gracious Queen Consort Camilla,
The Prince and Princess of Wales,
And all the Royal Family.”
This prayer
then asks God to put a spirit wisdom and understanding into the hearts of the
King and all his counsellors, so that they should deal kindly and justly with
all the House of Israel.
It seems to
me that it is entirely fitting that, even at a mass public demonstration such
as we saw yesterday, it is appropriate for the country’s Jews to acknowledge
the debt they owe, as residents in a country that does not belong to them, to
the forces of law and order that have hitherto been both able and willing to
protect them. We pray that they will continue to do so for as long as is
necessary.
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