Richard Kuper, a founder-member of Jews for Justice for Palestinians, has participated in dozens of pro-Palestinian marches, proudly displaying his Jewish identity alongside Jewish friends, and says he has always received a warm welcome. He rejects claims that these marches are festivals of hate, describing them instead as gatherings of solidarity with people suffering in Palestine.
Jewish heritage and solidarity
Kuper asserts that taking the side of the oppressed is part of Jewish heritage, drawing lessons from the Holocaust: "never again to anyone." He notes that thousands of Jewish demonstrators join national demonstrations, confidently stating that Israel's actions are not in their name. However, he feels ignored by mainstream media.
Diverse Jewish opinions
Kuper highlights the diversity of Jewish opinion, referencing a joke that two Jews have three opinions. He criticises the notion that only one opinion on Israel is allowed, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise this. He calls suggestions to restrict marches "ludicrous" and a misunderstanding, insisting pro-Palestinian marches have nothing to do with antisemitism.
While acknowledging a rise in antisemitic attacks, including in Golders Green and Manchester, Kuper sees no connection with the marches. He challenges the idea that banning protests would prevent such attacks, questioning whether it would stop someone throwing a molotov cocktail at a synagogue.
Slogans and misunderstandings
Kuper addresses controversial slogans like "globalise the intifada" and "from the river to the sea," arguing they are not antisemitic but calls for international resistance. He points out that similar language was used by Netanyahu's party. He believes describing these slogans as antisemitic misunderstands their origins.
Kuper states he would confront antisemitic behaviour on marches, having done so in the past when placards equated the Star of David with the swastika. He praises organisers for disowning racist individuals, though removing them from large crowds is challenging.
Police and government claims
Kuper refutes Metropolitan Police claims that marches were deliberately routed past synagogues, noting that most participants, including Jewish ones, are unaware of synagogue locations. He sees this as demonisation of the marches, undermining both Palestinian solidarity and the right to protest.
He argues that antisemitism is not caused by the marches but by Israel's actions, which generate hatred towards Israel. He suggests Iran may be behind some attacks, but the rise in antisemitism stems from outrage at Israel, which claims to act for all Jews. He criticises Chief Rabbi Mirvis for conflating Jews with supporters of Israel's government, making British Jews targets.
Government complicity and division
Kuper accuses the government of using antisemitism to divert attention from its complicity in Israel's actions. He believes that banning marches will not reduce antisemitism; instead, finding a Middle East solution would. He notes deep divisions within the Jewish community, with painful arguments among families.
He concludes by rejecting the narrative that marching makes one antisemitic, calling it a weapon to prevent criticism of Israel. He invites readers to join the Jewish bloc, emphasising the obligation under international law to help stop genocide. He states his side is with those who want peace, not with a genocidal government.
