Brighton's 'City of Sanctuary' Status Under Strain Amid Rising Anti-Semitism
Brighton, often dubbed 'London-by-sea', has long held the official designation as a 'City of Sanctuary', a title that recognises its commitment to welcoming those fleeing persecution and discrimination. This culture of hospitality traces its roots back to the arrival of Jews escaping Hitler's Europe, establishing one of the major Jewish communities outside London. However, in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, where over 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 240 kidnapped by Hamas, tensions have escalated, putting this sanctuary status to the test.
Escalating Tensions and Door-to-Door Campaigns
More than two years on from the massacre, Jewish residents in Brighton and Hove are facing increasing intimidation. Pro-Palestinian activists, many wearing the keffiyeh, are conducting door-to-door campaigns, urging households to boycott Israeli goods. This has left many Jews feeling fearful, with some removing mezuzahs from their doors and others standing guard outside places of worship in stab vests. Leaflets distributed by the Apartheid-Free Zone movement, featuring a watermelon in Palestinian flag colours, call for the city to become an 'Apartheid Free Zone', accusing Israel of being a 'racist and genocidal state'.
A Jewish woman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her distress: 'It's bad enough to see hateful anti-Israel propaganda around the streets daily, but to find this on my doormat makes me feel sickened and angry. Brighton feels like hostile territory, and I no longer feel safe in my own home.' This sentiment is echoed across other UK cities like Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester, London, and Edinburgh, where similar coordinated campaigns are emerging.
Rising Anti-Semitic Incidents and Community Response
Recorded incidents of anti-Semitism in Brighton have surged by 150% since the end of 2023, with 52 offences including abusive behaviour, threats, and vandalism logged by the Community Security Trust. One of the most shocking examples is the repeated vandalism of a memorial garden for October 7 victims, which has been targeted over 50 times with anti-Semitic graffiti and excrement. Fiona Sharpe, community liaison officer for the Sussex Jewish Representative Council, noted: 'This is reminiscent of a very dark time in European history,' highlighting a wave of thinly disguised anti-Semitism.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), which boasts 10,000 followers on Facebook in Brighton, is behind many of these activities. They maintain a stall in George Street, Hove, near synagogues, staging protests that unsettle Jewish residents. Organiser Ori Selkirk defended the campaign, stating: 'As a British Jew, I reject the claim that our campaign intimidates the Jewish community. We do not mention Jews, and it is anti-Semitic to conflate Israel with Jews as a whole.' However, critics argue this ignores the real fears within the community.
Political Divisions and Local Reactions
The Green Party has ideological links with the PSC, having passed a motion to review Brighton Council's investments in Israeli companies. Green MP Sian Berry acknowledged the concerns: 'I can appreciate why some residents find this tactic confrontational, even though I believe the campaign is well-intentioned.' In contrast, Hove MP and Business Secretary Peter Kyle called for police investigation, accusing activists of 'creating an environment of fear and intolerance', though police have declined to act.
Activist Seymour Millen, identified as a key figure in the door-knocking efforts, instructed volunteers to be polite and avoid arguments, logging responses to target sympathetic households. This has led to accusations of 'mapping' Jewish homes, which Millen denies, insisting it is merely to avoid revisiting uninterested residents. Victoria Bhogal of Jewish And Proud captured footage of these tactics, stating: 'They have a system to know where supporters live. It is chilling and feels like a targeted campaign against Jews.'
Broader Implications and Community Exodus
The toxic atmosphere has prompted some Jewish families to consider leaving Brighton. One woman, speaking anonymously, revealed she and her husband plan to emigrate to Israel: 'I don't think it is safe for us to live here any more.' Heidi Bachram, an anti-Semitism campaigner, added: 'Anti-Zionism is just anti-Semitism in disguise. They are whipping up division against Jews.' Fiona Sharpe recalled past National Front marches in the 1980s, noting that today's anti-Semitism is more normalised and tolerated.
As the clipboard brigade prepares to return to Brighton's streets, many question why protests focus solely on Israel, ignoring other repugnant regimes worldwide. The city's legacy as a sanctuary is now overshadowed by fear and division, challenging its commitment to tolerance and welcome.
