Starmer calls on public to ‘open their eyes to Jewish pain’ in wake of Golders Green attack

Keir Starmer has called on people to “open their eyes to Jewish pain” in the wake of the Golders Green terror attack, and accused anyone marching alongside supporters of Hamas of “venerating the murder of Jews”. The prime minister made his strongest ever remarks on antisemitism after visiting the area of the attacks for a meeting with emergency workers and community leaders. His presence was greeted by heckling from Stop the Hate protestors, a group campaigning against antisemitism, with one branding him a “traitor” for failing to keep Jews safe. In a statement in Downing Street, Starmer said new powers were needed to protect the Jewish community after the stabbing attack, which was “not a one-off”. Two Jewish men were hospitalised with knife wounds. “Antisemitism is an old, old hatred, history shows that the roots are deep, and if you turn away, it grows back,” he said. “Yet, far too many people in this country diminish it. They either don’t see it or they don’t want to see it.” He strongly criticised people who march alongside supporters of Hamas without calling it out. However, the government has stopped short of endorsing the idea of a pause on pro-Palestine marches, which has been suggested by Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer on terrorism. Protesters demonstrated Starmer’s visit, accusing him of failing to keep Jewish people safe. …