Jewish Activists Accuse Pro-Palestine Canvassers of Intimidation in Brighton
Jewish activists in Brighton have raised serious concerns about pro-Palestine canvassers, accusing them of engaging in what they describe as a deliberate campaign of intimidation. The controversy centres on members of the Brighton and Hove Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) group, who were filmed going door-to-door on February 7, urging residents to sign pledges against purchasing Israeli products.
Door-Knocking Sparks Allegations of Targeted Harassment
The AFZ group, wearing distinctive bright pink high-visibility jackets, stated their actions express solidarity with Palestinians affected by the conflict in Gaza. They draw inspiration from the historical Anti-Apartheid Movement that targeted South Africa. However, local Jewish activists, including Vicky Bhogal of the campaign group Jewish and Proud, allege the door-knocking is a targeted effort to identify individuals with Zionist leanings and incite antisemitism.
It was insidious, and it was dangerous, Bhogal told the Jewish Chronicle, characterising the activities as a campaign of intimidation that is next level. She followed the AFZ members, filming their interactions, while the campaigners reportedly recorded her with body-worn cameras in return.
Divisive Claims and Community Tensions
The AFZ advocates for boycotting Israeli goods in alignment with the broader Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to pressure Israel over its military actions in Gaza. On its website, the group labels Israel as a racist and genocidal state and accuses it of illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing—claims Israel firmly denies.
Activists told Sky News they view Zionism as akin to apartheid but deny any antisemitic or racist intent. When questioned, one canvasser named Seymour asserted, No. We're anti-racist, but confirmed anti-Zionist views, stating, Yeah, sure. Because the Zionist ideology is an apartheid ideology in our view. He compared their door-knocking to standard political campaigning by parties like the Conservatives or Labour.
Bhogal countered, arguing, Any campaign against Israel is a campaign against British Jews. You can't separate it. The way I see it, the modern face of antisemitism is anti-Zionism. This dispute has deeply split communities in Brighton, a city traditionally known for its tolerance and inclusion.
Political and Police Responses
The issue prompted Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade and Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to call for a police investigation into the AFZ activists. However, Sussex Police reported finding no evidence of criminal activity and will not pursue an investigation.
Mark Sewards, chair of Labour Friends of Israel, wrote to local Green MP Sian Berry, urging her to condemn what he termed a dangerous, divisive and intimidatory campaign. Berry responded that she believed the activists were well intentioned and not aiming to alarm Jewish residents specifically, adding that raising awareness about Gaza is legitimate.
Broader Context and Rising Tensions
Israeli boycott groups like the AFZ have proliferated following Israel's incursion into Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attacks, which killed over 1,200 people, mostly Israelis. The conflict has since resulted in an estimated 72,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Authority, with widespread destruction and displacement.
The BDS movement targets companies investing in Israel, such as Chevron, Intel, Dell, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's, and pressures councils to divest pension funds. This mirrors the Anti-Apartheid Movement's tactics against South Africa, which galvanised public opposition in the UK during the 1980s.
Amidst the ongoing war, antisemitic incidents have risen across Britain. A YouGov poll commissioned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism found that half of young Brits feel uncomfortable with open supporters of Israel, and half believe Israel treats Palestinians similarly to how Nazis treated Jews, highlighting the deepening societal divisions.
