Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman has voiced concern over what she describes as a "lack of vocal solidarity" from parts of the liberal left in response to escalating antisemitic violence against the Jewish community in the UK. The Labour MP and courts minister stated that the reaction from the "moderate majority," including some anti-racist organizations, has been "muted" following a recent terrorist attack in her constituency.
Details of the Attack
Last week, Essa Suleiman, 45, was charged with the attempted murders of Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, in Golders Green, as well as Ishmail Hussein earlier the same day in Southwark. The stabbings have heightened calls for action against antisemitism, occurring shortly after other incidents in the area, including an attempted arson at a memorial wall and a fire that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in March. Police are investigating potential links to criminal proxies acting for Iran.
Community Support and Criticism
Sackman acknowledged an outpouring of local support following the knife attack, including messages from Christian and Muslim faith leaders, noting that the incident had "clearly resonated" with many. However, she expressed disappointment at the broader response. "For a minority community to come under this sort of sustained level of threat and attack purely for our identity, you would expect anti-racist organizations, trade unions, and cultural leaders to speak out," she told the Times. "I think what has been notable is, for some time now, a lack of vocal solidarity from the moderate majority."
In a recent opinion piece for the Guardian, Sackman highlighted the fear and exhaustion felt by many British Jews. She questioned, "Where are the marches in solidarity and support of our Jewish community? Where is the response of the liberal-left? Where are the anti-racists, the trade unions, civil society, our friends and neighbours?" She also called out tech platforms, university chancellors, cultural leaders, and NHS managers for failing to address hate within their institutions.
Examples of Mutual Support
Drawing on a positive example, Sackman recalled how in 2013, after a Muslim centre in Barnet was destroyed in an arson attack claimed by the English Defence League, Finchley Reform Synagogue hosted the Somali Bravanese community during Ramadan. Last month, when the synagogue itself was targeted in an attempted petrol bombing, members of that same community returned the gesture, offering support in a powerful show of solidarity. Sackman urged "tangible action" from moderate voices, emphasizing that Jewish communities deserve the same public backing as other minorities.
She stressed that her critique is not about curbing criticism of the Israeli government or weakening support for Palestinian rights, but rather about addressing how organizational behaviors and tolerance of hate can make a whole population feel intimidated. Sackman called on institutions like the NHS and universities to examine their own cultures to better understand the experiences of Jewish people in the UK.
