Hundreds of people gathered in Millenium Square on 31st August to stand together against the rise of antisemitism.
The event, which was jointly organised by Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC) and Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism (LLAA), was in direct response to the recent wave of antisemitism in the city.
Simon Myerson KC, Chair of LJRC, and Susie Gordon, CEO of LJRC, opened the event together, emphasising the urgent need to call out antisemitism in all its forms: “Antisemitism wears many faces, but century-old stereotypes are racism when used against Jewish people by any thug, whether that thug is a doctor or not. It must be called out, and it must be removed from our streets,” said Simon.
The rally brought together voices from different faiths and across the political spectrum including Cllr Dan Cohen, Lord Mayor of Leeds; Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council; Cllr Sam Firth, Conservative Representative; Bishop Arun Arora, Bishop of Leeds; Jeremy Michelson, Board of Deputies of British Jews; Debbie Addlestone, Co-Founder of LLAA; and Ben Frais, community activist with LLAA.
Ben spoke at the event, saying: “Antisemitism is, sadly, something not consigned to history. It is happening here in our own city and in many others. Jews in Leeds are proud to call this city our home, but home needs to feel secure for all of us. Right now, for too many Jewish families, it doesn’t.”
Debbie added: “It was good to see so many people here today to support us, from across all faiths, political beliefs, and backgrounds, to help spread the message that all hate is wrong and support us in combatting the rise in antisemitism that we are seeing across Yorkshire and beyond.”
The rally closed with a message of unity and determination, underlining that hatred and prejudice have no place on the streets of Leeds.
