Jewish Activists Interrupt Nigel Farage's Speech at Reform UK Event
Jewish activists heckled Nigel Farage during the launch of the Reform Jewish Alliance (RJA) on Tuesday night, accusing the party of planning to use the new group as a cover for persecuting other minorities. The event, held in a function room at the Central synagogue in London and attended by about 200 people, saw activists stand up in the middle of Farage's speech to challenge his policies.
Activists Cite Historical Persecution and Family Experiences
Carla Bloom, one of the hecklers, recalled her family's history of facing persecution and fighting the far right in the 1930s. She stated, "My mother didn't fight the Mosley fascists in Cable Street for this." The activists, from the group Na'amod, argued that under Reform UK's proposed policies, past Jewish refugees would have been barred from the UK.
Josh Cohen, 32, expressed disgust at the event's talk of Jews as "model immigrants," claiming it aimed to pave the way for persecution of other minorities. He told the Guardian, "We are disgusted by antisemitism but we believe Reform are an active threat to the Muslim community and to immigrants and asylum-seeker communities in the UK."
Farage Defends Judeo-Christian Principles and New Group
In his speech, Farage emphasized that "Judeo-Christian principles" were the foundation of Britain's achievements. He explained that he decided to establish the RJA after meeting the family of Emily Damari, a British woman taken hostage by Hamas in October 2023, due to what he perceived as a lack of effective campaigning for her release.
Farage also addressed allegations of antisemitic comments from his time at Dulwich college, calling them "complete made-up fantasies" and accusing his accusers of political motivation. He was introduced at the event by Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, who defended Farage, stating, "There is not an antisemitic bone in this man's body."
Growing Political Divide Among British Jews
The launch of the RJA highlights a political divide emerging among British Jews. Research shows support for Reform UK among British Jews rose from 3% in August 2024 to 11% in June 2025, though this increase was below the party's ratings growth in the wider electorate. The RJA includes figures like Gary Mond, a former senior vice-president at the Board of Deputies, who resigned in 2022.
Outside the event, activists from the Jewish Bloc for Palestine held placards with alleged comments by Farage from his school days. Amy Kershenbaum, 58, who attended the event, said, "Many of us would not be here if Reform policies were in place when our ancestors sought refuge." She added that she believed the reports from Dulwich alumni and was offended by Farage's dismissal of them.
