In a surprising turn of events, Nigel Farage was confronted by activists during his speech at the launch of the Reform Jewish Alliance (RJA) in London. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday night, highlighted a growing rift within the Jewish community over the party’s policies and their implications for minority rights in the UK.
Confrontation at the Central Synagogue
Farage, addressing an audience of approximately 200 attendees at the Central Synagogue, unveiled the RJA, asserting it would enhance Reform UK’s focus on securing up to 15 parliamentary seats. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as members of the activist group Na’amod interrupted his speech, voicing grievances against Farage’s party and its perceived agenda.
Among those who spoke out was Carla Bloom, who recounted her family’s struggle against persecution in the 1930s. “My mother didn’t fight the Mosley fascists in Cable Street for this,” she asserted, condemning the RJA’s potential as a façade for discriminatory policies targeting other minorities.
Allegations of Antisemitism Resurface
The hecklers raised concerns regarding Farage’s past, referencing accusations from his former classmates at Dulwich College, who have alleged he made antisemitic remarks. Farage has consistently dismissed these claims as politically motivated fabrications. Still, dissenters like Josh Cohen expressed their dismay, particularly at the rhetoric surrounding Jewish identity as “model immigrants,” which they argue is a pretext for marginalising other communities.
“We are disgusted by antisemitism but believe Reform UK poses an active threat to the Muslim community and immigrants in the UK,” Cohen declared, emphasising the moral obligation of the Jewish community to oppose such narratives.
A Divided Jewish Community
The launch of the RJA comes amid a broader political schism within British Jewry. Recent studies suggest a notable shift in allegiance, with support for Reform UK among British Jews rising from a mere 3% in August 2024 to 11% by June 2025. However, this remains significantly below the party’s overall increase in popularity among the general electorate.
Gary Mond, a prominent figure in the RJA and former senior vice-president at the Board of Deputies, resigned from his position in 2022, reflecting the internal contradictions faced by Jewish leaders navigating the complex political landscape.
Defending Farage’s Credibility
Farage’s supporters, including Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, defended the former UKIP leader vehemently. Mendoza labelled the allegations against Farage as an “absolute smear campaign” and reiterated his belief in Farage’s integrity. He also made controversial remarks about newer immigrants, suggesting they do not fully embrace British values, a statement that further inflamed tensions among those in attendance.
Amy Kershenbaum, another attendee, articulated the disquiet felt by many. “Many of us would not be here if Reform policies were in place when our ancestors sought refuge,” she lamented, underscoring the historical context surrounding immigration debates.
Why it Matters
This confrontation at the launch of the Reform Jewish Alliance is not merely a flashpoint in a political event; it reflects the wider anxieties within society regarding immigration, minority rights, and the historical lessons that shape contemporary politics. As divisions deepen, the implications for both the Jewish community and the political landscape in the UK remain profound. The episode underscores the urgent need for dialogue and understanding across all segments of society, particularly in times when populist sentiments threaten to undermine the very fabric of inclusivity.
