Crackdown welcomed by city's Jewish leaders

JEWISH leaders in Greater Manchester have welcomed the police crackdown on antisemitism under which protesters at marches and rallies who chant ‘globalise the intifada’ and display placards featuring the slogan will now face arrest.

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But others have described it as political repression. Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the move marks ‘another low in the political repression of protest for Palestinian rights’ and is an attack on free speech.

Greater Manchester is home to the largest Jewish community outside London and pro-Palestine marches have been held regularly in the city centre.

Jewish leaders here described the new directive as ‘a necessary and important first step to turning back a tide of violent incitement’ against Jews. They also challenged Greater Manchester Police to back up words with actions.

Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, said: “This is welcome and it is something that we have been calling for for some time.

“We expect the police forces to be equally as robust in stopping these chants as they have been with those who have continued to support the Palestine Action movement following their proscription.”