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The UK's chief rabbi has stated that countless members in Jewish society and beyond are asking the reason demonstrations such as those opposing the restriction against Palestine Action are authorized to take place.

Sir Ephraim Mirvis stated: “A portion of them feature clear hatred of Jews, blatant support for Hamas. Not each person, yet exists a great deal of this, which is undoubtedly dangerous to countless across the nation.”

Talking ahead of traveling into Manchester last Friday to stand with those mourning the deaths of two individuals during a terror incident near a synagogue, he stressed an “urgent need for collective reflection.”

The incident happened in the wake of what he called a persistent tide of hatred against Jews” on UK streets, colleges, online platforms and within certain parts in the press, Sir Ephraim told the BBC's Today show.

Highlighting the slogan “spread the intifada worldwide” – which many view as an incitement to violence aimed at Jewish people – he remarked the nation had witnessed “with tragic clarity” last Thursday what those words meant.

Referring again to his characterization as broadcast in public spaces and online, he commented: “Much of the material is deeply offensive and also, when present the unjustified demonisation toward Israel that contributes straight into an anti-Jewish sentiment in the atmosphere in the UK which then fosters extremist behavior. National leaders should take note of this.”

Upon questioning about marches arranged by advocates for Palestine demanding a halt to the war in the Gaza Strip and marches advocating for the removal of restrictions on the outlawed entity the activist network Palestine Action, he responded that “a significant portion” of these actions were risky to many in British society.

“Ever since 7 October 2023 we have seen so many people who have wondered for what purpose those protests are allowed to take place on our streets.”

“One cannot divide the words in public forums, the behaviors of participants in such manner and what necessarily occur … These factors are intertwined and so we call on the government again to assert authority on these demonstrations since they prove hazardous.”

Faith leaders also hold a particular duty to play, Sir Ephraim Mirvis added, saying: “We need to talk about controlling our mouths, the perspectives we share, the way we communicate these thoughts and also a spiritual figure ought to foster unity and tranquility across public spaces and in domestic settings.”

His comments were made as the president from Israel, Isaac Herzog, declared that Thursday proved to be “awful day” for Jewish people in Britain, the nation as a whole, and Jewish populations around the globe.

“This is a jarring recall regarding what we have been warning for an extended period, that this surge of antisemitism and anti-Jewish feelings worldwide eventually results in bloodshed,” he remarked to a national broadcast.

Among those calling for further government action regarding anti-Jewish hatred included Danny Cohen, the ex-executive from BBC One, who told Times Radio it is necessary to have a national investigation into antisemitism established straightaway” because “something has gone deeply troubled in our society, and it demands urgently addressing.”