London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan faces backlash for saying the chant “from the river to the sea” isn’t always anti-Semitic ahead of planned pro-Palestine rallies.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sadiq Khan has come under fire for allegedly minimising anti-Semitic slogans ahead of planned pro-Palestine rallies in London today.
The London Mayor faced outrage after claiming the slogan ‘from the river to the sea’ does not convey anti-Semitism.
During Thursday’s Mayor’s Question Time, Mr Khan said the phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ can be anti-Semitic or not, depending on the context.
Chris Philp’s views on Sadiq Khan’s comments on the chant
The Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the slogan was “hateful and extremist” in response to the London mayor’s comments.
He said,
“Calling for the complete destruction of Israel, a state established with UN approval, is a hateful and extremist message. As the world’s only Jewish state it has obviously anti-Semitic overtones.”
Mr Philp added,
“I fully support President Trump’s peace initiative and a two-state solution – where Palestine and Israel both have sovereign states.”
What did Lord Walney say about the ‘from the river to the sea’ chant?
Lord Walney, the ex-government advisor on political violence, stated,
“This is a chant soaked in anti-Semitism and it should be made completely unacceptable, not excused.”
He said,
“Anyone who thinks it is okay for people to chant that hateful phrase needs to consider what it is calling for Palestine to be free from – they mean free from Jews.”
Mr Waleny stated,
“It is the call for the total eradication of the world’s only Jewish state by fundamentalists who have never accepted its legitimacy because they can’t abide the idea of Jews in the Middle East.”
How did Matt Vickers respond to Sadiq Khan on the slogan?
Matt Vickers, the Tory Party’s deputy chairman, described the London Mayor’s remarks as “a despicable slur.”
He stated,
“On the eve of anti-Israel hate marches on the streets of central London, this is a despicable slur from Sadiq Khan.”
Mr Vickers stated,
“From the River to the Sea’ is a chant calling to wipe the world’s only Jewish state from the map.”
Sir James Cleverly’s stance on Sadiq Khan and the controversial chant
Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly stated,
“From the River to the Sea’ is a chant that calls for wiping the world’s only Jewish state from the map. It is patently absurd to claim it is not anti-Semitic.”
He added,
“Against a backdrop of regular hate marches on the streets of London, Sadiq Khan has once again let the capital’s Jewish community down.”
Alex Hearn’s stance on Sadiq Khan and anti-semitic marches
Labour Against anti-Semitism co-director Alex Hearn stated,
“Sadiq Khan talks about context, while conveniently ignoring the context. These marches are plagued by anti-Jewish racism and calls for the destruction of Israel.”
He said,
“For two years, Sadiq Khan’s London has been the scene of marches which have given a platform for virulent anti-Jewish racism and threatened the peace and safety of the Jewish community.”
Mr Hearn added,
“The Mayor has to acknowledge his responsibility. Listening to Jewish voices calling out this hateful chant would be a good place for him to start to undo the damage.”
Sadiq Khan’s views on the ‘from the river to the sea’ chant
Susan Hall, the leader of the City Hall Conservatives, asked,
“Do you think to scream ‘From the river to the sea’, which they’re doing during these hate marches, is appropriate? Do you think it is anti-Semitic?”
Sadiq Khan responded,
“I don’t think it is anti-Semitic and I think it’s all about context.”
He added,
“Some slogans can be anti-Semitic, but it’s all about context. And in certain contexts, yes, those slogans are anti-Semitic. In other contexts, they’re not.”
How are pro-Palestine marches and the Gaza ceasefire linked?
Protests are set to take place across London today, amid confusion over the groups’ exact demands.
A student group said protests across Britain will continue until “Zionism is completely eradicated.”
Israel and Hamas agreed Friday to a swap, releasing the remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that fighting in the Gaza Strip had ended. This began the countdown for Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Under the ceasefire terms, the militant group Hamas must release 48 hostages within 72 hours, starting with the 20 believed alive,
Ben Jamal’s views on the ongoing Palestinian protests
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s director, Ben Jamal, explained the purpose behind today’s demonstration, saying,
“We’re here on the Embankment ready to march again. A ceasefire has finally been declared in Gaza, and today we share the relief of the Palestinian people. We are inspired once more by the signs of them returning to their homes, or what is left of their homes.”
He said,
“We share their trepidation that this ceasefire will not hold, rooted in the knowledge that Israel has violated every ceasefire agreement it has ever signed. But people have been asking us for the last two days, why are you still marching?”
Mr Jamal added,
“We know that the plan that has been laid out by Donald Trump is not a plan for an enduring peace, because it says nothing about the root causes of violence, it says nothing about ending Israel’s military occupation. Our campaigning, our protesting, does not end until the Palestinian people are finally free.”
What did the Met Police say about today’s London protests?
The Metropolitan Police said today’s protests will face restrictions under the Public Order Act.
The police said demonstrators will gather at Victoria Embankment and march across Westminster Bridge to Whitehall for speeches.
Under the Public Order Act, the protests must end by 5:30 pm and follow designated routes; a counter-protest by Stop The Hate will take place at the Strand.
UK Public Order Act
The Public Order Act sets penalties for serious offences like riots, violent disorder, and affray by groups. The 2023 update made new rules against protest tactics like locking on or blocking areas. It also gives police more stop-and-search powers.
The “Serious Disruption Prevention Orders” can restrict repeat offenders and prevent disruptive protests.