Jewish students and pro-Palestine protesters face off over Leeds rally on October 7 anniversary
Pro-Palestine protestors gathered at controversial demonstrations last night (Tuesday, October 7), the second anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
The rallies saw supporters gather on university campuses across the country, bearing flags and chanting slogans - despite the Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging students not to attend.
In Leeds, one Jewish student condemned a demonstration held on the steps of the Parkinson Building, warning that such displays have left the community feeling "fearful and angry".
It came on the second anniversary of the atrocities of 7th October, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and a further 251 taken hostage during Hamas' incursion into Israel.
Louis Danker, 22, the President of the Union of Jewish Students in Leeds, said: "On the second anniversary of October 7th, student groups are celebrating the 'beloved resistance' and the 'glorious Al-Aqsa flood', Hamas' name for the October 7th attacks.
"As Jewish students seek one day to mourn their loved ones, their peers are glorifying terrorism outside lecture halls and libraries.
"Many Jewish students are fearful and angry today. This is not about banning activism - it is about the time, place and manner of incendiary protest.
"A culture of impunity on campus antisemitism has allowed this behaviour to go unchecked. Vice Chancellors must take every step to discipline students responsible, uphold the values of their institution, and protect Jewish student life.
"We welcome the Government’s condemnation of these protests, but it is time to see action."
A number of pro-Palestine protestors at the demonstration in Leeds hit out at Keir Starmer, who today described the planned action as "un-British".
One of them, Geno, a 20-year-old philosophy student who has lived in the UK for a decade, said: "I don't feel British in this country, so quite frankly, the government can say it is un-British to be here, but that's not going to stop me.
"I am from Algeria, so it is quite personal for me because I come from the Middle East.
"Around 90 students in Gaza have had offers to study at Leeds University, but the university has done nothing to help them get here or provide aid."
Uzma Bashir, 55, insisted the demonstration was necessary. She said: "Today marks two years of genocide, murdering and killing of innocent men, women and children.
"I disagree with Keir Starmer, we've got a right to speak our minds in a peaceful manner and that's what we're doing. He needs to step up and stand for all people."
Two women in their 70s also gathered on the steps near the protest. One of them, Jane, said: "Why wouldn't you come here to demonstrate, when you see what's happening in Gaza? Somehow, we have to get it to stop.
"Actually, it's very British to demonstrate. We've been demonstrating peacefully in this country for years."
On the other side of the road, counter-protestors draped in the Israeli flag spoke about their dismay to see the pro-Palestine demonstration taking place today.
Ronit Zilber said: "It's a day of mourning, but it has been disturbed. The same happened after the attack in Manchester - people demonstrating caused a fracas in the street.
"They're doing it to stop the grieving process. I'm so angry. How dare they? The protestors will tell you this is about Palestine. It's not. It's about hatred for Jews."
Mia, a 21-year-old student, said: "Jewish people are terrified - that's why there are not a lot of people here. There are people who wanted to be here with us today but they are too afraid."
Hannah, 38, said: "7th October was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Out of all the days that the pro-Palestine protestors could have demonstrated, they chose today purposefully."
The rallies come just five days after the horrific terror attack on a Manchester synagogue, in which Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove a car into worshippers and stabbed congregants on Yom Kippur, killing two men and injuring several others.