Following the recent stabbings in Golders Green, which Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said “prove that if you are visibly Jewish, you’re not safe”, a British Jewish communications professional has questioned why business leaders and friends remain silent on antisemitism. The attacks have been described by the government’s independent adviser on terrorism, Jonathan Hall KC, as “the biggest national security emergency” in the last decade.
The author, who works with business leaders on articles and speeches, noted that while he has written hundreds of pieces on societal issues such as equal rights, racism, and poverty, he has never been asked to write about antisemitism. He expressed bewilderment that not a single non-Jewish business leader has spoken out after the Golders Green incident, contrasting this with their usual willingness to comment on other issues.
The writer also highlighted the silence of personal friends who know he is Jewish, saying that even a simple “mate, you OK?” would be welcome. He stressed that showing solidarity with oppressed Palestinians should not preclude support for the 300,000 British Jews, who now feel frightened and isolated. The piece, published on a comment platform, calls for business leaders to step up and publicly condemn the hatred.
