The UK's Chief Rabbi has praised a major policy shift by two of the nation's largest police forces, who have vowed to arrest protesters using the controversial chant 'globalise the intifada'. Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the move as a critical step in confronting hateful rhetoric on British streets.
Police Forces Take Decisive Stand
In a rare joint statement issued on Wednesday 17 December 2025, the heads of the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) declared their officers will now 'act decisively and make arrests' against individuals using the chant at protests. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson stated the context had changed following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
They emphasised that words carry consequences, and the measures are designed to deter intimidation. The announcement came as police were seen removing individuals from a pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, though the specific chants were unclear amidst the noise.
Rabbi's Call and Contested Meanings
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who is en route to Australia to meet victims of the Sydney shootings, had earlier in the week demanded a crackdown. He argued it must be made clear that chants like 'globalise the intifada' are unlawful. He linked the phrase's meaning to recent violence, including the Yom Kippur attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester and the Hanukkah killings on Bondi Beach.
The phrase's interpretation is fiercely debated. While the American Jewish Committee describes it as a call for aggressive resistance against Israel, protesters and groups like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign argue it signifies a peaceful 'shaking off' of oppression and injustice. Campaigner Ben Jamal condemned the police decision as 'political repression' and an infringement on the right to protest.
Reactions and Legal Path Forward
The decision has drawn sharply divided responses. Jewish security and advocacy groups have welcomed the move. The Community Security Trust called it a 'necessary and important first step', while the Campaign Against Antisemitism said police chiefs 'may finally be waking up' to the consequences of inflammatory language.
Conversely, the Embassy of Israel in the UK expressed disappointment that the action had taken so long. Prosecutors have confirmed they will assess each potential case individually, providing advice to police where evidence for charges is insufficient. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has stated it will monitor the enforcement of this new arrest policy closely.
The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred on Sunday, led to the deaths of multiple people celebrating Hanukkah. Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police, while his son Naveed, 24, has been charged with offences including murder and committing a terrorist act. The first funerals for victims, including London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, were held on Wednesday.
