The far-right figure was spotted holding a Pro-Israel placard which read ‘Free Gaza from Hamas’
A prominent Jewish organisation has condemned the presence of far-right figure Tommy Robinson at a pro-Israeli march in London on Sunday afternoon.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews, said that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was ‘not welcome’ at the event in London and condemned his ‘bigotry’.
Met Police officers stepped in after a small group of pro-Palestine supporters approached the march in support of Israel on Kensington High Street and chanted ‘free Palestine’.
Meanwhile, the pro-Israel demonstrators were waving Israeli flags, making speeches and chanting loudly. Some pro-Israel protestors held placards which read ‘Free Gaza From Hamas’ and ‘Israel has the right to defend itself.’
This comes after Gaza and Israel mutually agreed to a ceasefire with Gaza militants, following days of fighting which saw hundreds of Palestinians killed by air strikes. Around 232 people in Gaza were killed during the attacks, whilst approximately 12 people were killed in Israel.
A large police presence was seen in London during Sunday’s protest, in the wake of the heightened tensions between the two sides. Several surrounding roads were closed off as the protestors marched around Kensington High St.
Britain's most notorious fascist, Tommy Robinson, is welcomed and takes pride of place at a pro-Israel demonstration in London today.
Says all you need to know about the situation. https://t.co/utizxRjVAh
— Alan MacLeod (@AlanRMacLeod) May 23, 2021
On Twitter, the Board of Deputies of British Jews said that the anti-Islam activist was ‘not welcome’ at their community’s events as they “reject their bigotry”.
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) & supporters of of far-right extremist organisations like the English Defence League are not welcome at our community’s events. Their message of hate and division must be confronted and defeated. We utterly reject their bigotry. https://t.co/JFb5V0Vl3G
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) May 23, 2021