UK Jewish group asks government to label anti-Zionism as extremism

B'nai B'rith UK has asked the British government to officially designate anti-Zionism as an extremist ideology. The group also wants a permanent ban on al-Quds Day demonstrations in London and tighter controls on protests held near Jewish community centers. These demands appear in a new policy report that calls for stronger government action against groups accused of promoting anti-Jewish hatred.

Dr. Jeremy Havardi wrote the 108-page document, titled Antizionism: The New Face of Anti-Jewish Extremism. He presented it to lawmakers for the first time on October 20 at the UK Parliament. The event was co-chaired by Labour MP Mark Sewards and Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Havardi argues that anti-Zionism has become a primary form of modern antisemitism. He says the movement borrows from Nazi propaganda, Soviet ideology, and Islamist extremism while using the language of social justice to hide its motives.

The report lists 11 specific policy recommendations. One key proposal is to stop marches from taking place next to synagogues, Jewish schools, or social venues. The authors call this proximity a clear form of racist provocation. They also recommend that police arrest and prosecute demonstrators who incite violence against Zionists. This includes those who call for an intifada or use slogans that threaten Jews. While the report acknowledges the value of free speech, it argues that incitement should not be protected under that principle.

Institutions such as universities and charities would face new scrutiny. The report calls for mandatory reporting of antisemitic incidents across all public bodies. It suggests adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. University administrators would need to complete antisemitism training, and institutions should appoint dedicated officers to handle complaints. Disciplinary action is recommended for staff or students who glorify Palestinian or Islamist terrorism. The Charity Commission is urged to shut down organizations that promote anti-Zionist violence, provided safeguards for lawful advocacy are maintained.

The report also looks at international influences. Havardi calls for the expulsion of Iran's ambassador to Britain. He recommends banning media channels that promote the Islamic Republic's ideology, including those linked to the Islamic Radio and Television Union. The document suggests designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on national security grounds. If it does not meet the legal threshold for proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000, the report says Britain should label it an extremist organization, similar to how German federal authorities have acted. Qatar's funding of Islamist groups in Britain is also a target for monitoring.

The report argues that anti-Zionism harms Palestinians as well as Jews. It cites research showing that more than 160,000 Palestinians worked in Israel or Israeli settlements before October 7, 2023. Havardi contends that rejecting Jewish national self-determination undermines coexistence and economic opportunities. He notes that these consequences contradict the British government's support for a two-state solution and the Abraham Accords. The recommendations in the report have not yet been adopted as official British government policy.