The sister-in-law of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has provoked widespread condemnation after video surfaced of her describing the October 7 Hamas attacks as a "legendary day" for Muslims.
Controversial Comments in Turkish Interview
Lauren Booth, a 58-year-old British journalist who converted to Islam, made the remarks during an interview with the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak last year. Booth, who is the half-sister of Cherie Blair, stated that "after October 7, this October 7, a legendary day in the Ummah's history, yes, we can say that people are now picking up the Quran because of the steadfastness and sabr [patience] of the people of Gaza".
She added that "only Allah knows" how many "millions" would turn to the Quran following the attacks, which she characterised as a historic "tipping point". The term "Ummah" refers to the global Muslim community.
Further Remarks and Backlash
In the same interview, Booth, who now resides in Istanbul, recounted being "annoyed" with Palestinians during an earlier visit to Gaza for what she perceived as a lack of determination. "I thought they had Stockholm syndrome," she said. "Because not only were they not determined to hate all Jews or just take Jewish life, they said Allah will sort this out for us."
The footage was uncovered by Israeli journalist Elchanan Groner as part of an investigation for a Channel 14 documentary. The comments have ignited fury, given that October 7 marked the deadliest single day for Jewish lives since the Holocaust.
When contacted by the Mail, Booth stated she advocates for "the right of Palestinians to live free from occupation" and the UN-recognised "right to resist", but clarified: "I do not advocate for violence against any religious or racial group."
Consequences and Political Embarrassment
A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism labelled Booth's description of October 7 as "legendary" while claiming to speak for justice as "sick and perverse", warning it was "the sort of message that radicalises people".
Andrew Fox, of the Henry Jackson Society, suggested her remarks "could trigger scrutiny or enforcement actions" from UK police should she return.
The controversy arrives at a sensitive time for Sir Tony Blair, who had reportedly been seeking a key role in a US-backed Gaza peace plan involving Donald Trump's team. His think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, is said to have helped draft proposals with Jared Kushner. Booth's history of criticising her in-law includes calling Blair a "moral coward" over the Iraq War.
Booth, a former London socialite, converted to Islam in 2010 after a trip to Iran. She has worked for Iran's Press TV, advocated for controversial groups like CAGE, and in 2008 was issued a diplomatic passport by then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. She also appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2006.
Sir Tony Blair was approached for comment.
