Jewish News Today: London March Vandalism, Haringey Synagogue Revolt, and New FlyDubai Terror Details

Three years on from the Hamas massacre of 7 October 2023, the anniversary continues to reverberate across the Jewish diaspora: anti-Israel demonstrations swept through London, Berlin and Toronto over the weekend, a London synagogue has publicly declared it no longer feels safe under its local council, and new details have emerged about the foiled terrorist attack on a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.

London: Twenty Arrested, War Memorial Vandalised at Anti-Israel March

Twenty people were arrested at an anti-Israel march in central London, according to the Jewish Chronicle. Among those detained was a woman seen making a Nazi salute. A second person was accused of assaulting a police officer. The Jewish Chronicle also reports that the Battle of Britain memorial was vandalised during the demonstration.

The JTA reports that London was one of several European cities — alongside Rome and Berlin — where tens of thousands marched against Israel to mark the third anniversary of the Gaza war. The Jüdische Allgemeine separately reports that several thousand people took part in an anti-Israel demonstration through Berlin's government quarter, marching from the Chancellery through the city centre to Alexanderplatz.

The Jewish Chronicle has also identified a London-based coalition as a key organiser behind coordinated global protests, reporting that it urged activists to "shut down city squares" and "encircle government buildings." Jeremy Corbyn is named among the figures backing the international campaign.

Haringey Synagogue Tells Council: 'We Do Not Feel Safe Under Your Watch'

In a direct escalation of tensions between a British Jewish community and a local authority, shul leaders at Highgate United Synagogue have sent a blistering letter to Haringey council leader Mark Blake, accusing the Haringey Greens of "aligning itself with Hamas," according to the Jewish Chronicle. "We don't accept your assurances that we are safe under your watch," the synagogue told Blake.

The letter represents one of the most direct public confrontations between a synagogue and a local Green-led authority since concerns about the party's stance on Israel and antisemitism became a recurring theme in British Jewish community news. This follows earlier reporting on calls for an EHRC probe into the Green Party and Labour MPs demanding a Barnet Green councillor explain support for "Zionism is racism" positions.

FlyDubai Attack: Co-Pilot Planned to Crash Plane into Ben-Gurion Airport

Significant new details have emerged about the midair terrorist attack on a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. According to JNS, the Emirati attorney-general has revealed that the Omani suspect — a co-pilot — specifically plotted to crash the plane into Ben-Gurion Airport, and had flown to Israel twice before the attack. JNS also reports that Israeli President Herzog sent a personal letter to the wounded captain who helped avert the disaster, writing that his conduct demonstrated "great valor" and that his "ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to combat the immediate threat to your life, and to operate sound judgment demonstrates the strength of your character."

Separately, the Jüdische Allgemeine reports that passengers from the flight are preparing to file lawsuits worth hundreds of millions against the airline, the state of Israel, and other parties involved.

Canada: Palestinian State Recognition Under Fire After Abbas Delays Elections Again

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas has again postponed Palestinian elections, blaming Israel, according to the Jewish Chronicle, which notes that Abbas's mandate expired in 2009 and that this delay pushes back what would have been the first parliamentary vote in twenty years. Israeli Foreign Minister called Abbas a "corrupt dictator," per the Chronicle.

The delay has drawn sharp criticism in Canada, where the government's recognition of a Palestinian state is now under renewed scrutiny. JNS reports that a Canadian Jewish organisation warned that sanctioning Israel while "absolving the Palestinians of any accountability is dangerous." The organisation called the election postponement a direct challenge to the logic underpinning Canada's recognition decision.

Toronto: 'We Will Honor All Our Martyrs' Chanted at Anniversary Protest

In Toronto, pro-Palestinian protesters marked the third anniversary of the Gaza war with chants including "We will honor all our martyrs," according to JTA. A Canadian Jewish group responded by calling for "moral clarity from civic leaders" over events that it said praised those responsible for the 7 October attacks.

Germany: Philippe Sands Accuses Germany of 'Indecent Silence' on Israel

Philippe Sands — a lawyer and author — was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, according to the Jüdische Allgemeine. In his acceptance speech, Sands accused Germany of "indecent silence" in its handling of Israel, arguing that violations of international law must be clearly named — "especially among friends." The remarks land amid an already charged atmosphere in German Jewish community discourse around the country's stance on the conflict.

Boston: Planned Non-Zionist Jewish School Draws Attention

A new initiative in the United States is drawing attention across Jewish community circles. JTA reports that a planned school in Boston called Achvat Olam intends to teach Jewish history, cultures and languages while explicitly disavowing Israel. The school's organisers say they hope to build on momentum from the Jewish left. The project has not yet opened and no enrolment figures are available.

UK Jewish Film Festival Marks 30th Anniversary

On a lighter note for British Jewish communities, the UK Jewish Film Festival is marking its 30th anniversary with a ten-day programme featuring more than 70 films, including 50 world or UK premieres, according to the Jewish Chronicle. Organisers have promised the event will be "a celebration of Jewish life."

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