A violent attack on a Manchester synagogue has thrust Prime Minister Keir Starmer into a political firestorm, exposing the deep tension between his vow to purge antisemitism from the Labour Party and the rising tide of pro-Palestinian activism within his own ranks .
The incident—where masked protesters hurled bricks, chanted anti-Israel slogans, and attempted to breach the synagogue’s doors during Shabbat services—has reignited national outrage and placed Starmer’s leadership under intense scrutiny. While police arrested three individuals and launched a terrorism-related investigation, critics are demanding to know: has Labour done enough to confront hate in its midst?
Starmer’s Pledge vs. Political Reality
When Starmer took over Labour in 2020, he made one promise crystal clear: “Antisemitism will have no home in the Labour Party.” He suspended dozens of members, overhauled internal processes, and won back trust from many in Britain’s Jewish community.
But the war in Gaza has complicated that mission. As public anger over civilian casualties grows, Labour’s grassroots—especially younger members and activist wings—have pushed the party to adopt more strident pro-Palestinian positions. Some demonstrations have crossed into antisemitic rhetoric, blurring the line between criticism of Israel and hatred of Jews.
What Happened in Manchester?
- Date: Friday, October 3, 2025 (Shabbat evening)
- Location: Central Manchester Synagogue
- Attackers: Group of 15–20 masked individuals
- Actions: Threw bricks, smashed windows, chanted “Free Palestine from the river to the sea”
- Response: Police declared it a “hate-motivated incident with potential terrorist links”
Labour’s Internal Divide: By the Numbers
| Issue | Starmer’s Official Position | Grassroots Activist Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Antisemitism | Zero tolerance; expelled 400+ members since 2020 | Some view disciplinary actions as “silencing Palestine solidarity” |
| Gaza War | Calls for humanitarian pauses, supports two-state solution | Demand immediate ceasefire, arms embargo on Israel |
| Protests | Condemns any protest that targets Jewish institutions | Some local Labour groups co-signed rally permits near synagogues |
Jewish Community Reacts: “Words Aren’t Enough”
“We’ve heard promises before,” said Rabbi Miriam Berger of the Finchley Reform Synagogue. “But when synagogues are under siege, we need action—not just speeches.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews called the Manchester attack “a direct consequence of unchecked hate speech” and urged Labour to suspend any member linked to the organizing groups.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian Labour members argue they’re being unfairly conflated with extremists. “Supporting Palestinian rights is not antisemitism,” said Layla Hassan, a Labour councillor in Birmingham. “But we must also protect Jewish lives and spaces. The two are not mutually exclusive.”
What’s at Stake for Starmer?
With local elections looming in 2026 and a general election potentially on the horizon, Starmer faces a perilous balancing act:
- Maintain credibility with centrist voters and Jewish communities
- Prevent mass defections from the left wing of his party
- Uphold the rule of law while defending free speech
His next move—whether to launch a new internal purge, issue stronger condemnations, or propose legislation against hate-motivated protests—could define his premiership.
