UK urged to classify anti-Zionism as extremism, ban marches near Jewish institutions

OCTOBER 27, 2026 17:39B'nai B'rith UK has called on the British government to classify anti-Zionism as an extremist ideology, permanently ban al-Quds Day demonstrations, restrict protests near Jewish institutions and take stronger action against organizations accused of promoting anti-Jewish hatred.The demands are laid out in the organization's 108-page report, titled Antizionism: The New Face of Anti-Jewish Extremism. Written by Dr. Jeremy Havardi, the report was presented for the first time at the UK Parliament on October 20 at an event co-chaired by Labour MP Mark Sewards and Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith.The report argues that anti-Zionism has become a predominant expression of modern antisemitism, drawing on Nazi propaganda, Soviet ideology and Islamist extremism, while presenting itself through the language of human rights and social justice.It sets out 11 policy recommendations aimed at addressing what Havardi describes as an extremist movement that has contributed to the harassment, intimidation and exclusion of Jews from public life.Among its principal recommendations is that the British government formally identify anti-Zionism as an extremist ideology and condemn political parties, nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups that promote it.Protesters wave flags and hold signs in London on March 15, 2026, after the UK banned the al-Quds Day march over public disorder concerns. (credit: Martin Pope/Getty Images)Restrictions on anti-Zionist demonstrationsThe report calls for strict limitations on future anti-Zionist demonstrations, particularly those taking place near Jewish community institutions.It stresses that "No march should be allowed next to synagogues, Jewish schools or Jewish social venues as this is a clear example of racist provocation."It also recommends the arrest and prosecution of demonstrators who incite violence against Zionists, including through calls for an intifada or slogans threatening Jews.Although it acknowledges the importance of freedom of expression, the report argues that incitement should not be protected under the principle of free speech.Havardi also calls for a permanent ban on London's annual al-Quds Day demonstration, which he links to Iranian efforts to promote radicalization in Britain.The proposed measures go beyond existing restrictions on particular demonstrations and would require further government action.Universities, charities and public institutionsThe report also proposes greater scrutiny of universities, charities and other public institutions accused of tolerating antisemitism.It recommends mandatory reporting of antisemitic incidents and complaints across public bodies, including the measures taken in response, alongside the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism.University administrators would be required to undergo antisemitism training, while institutions should appoint dedicated antisemitism officers where possible.The report further calls for disciplinary action against university staff and students found to be glorifying Palestinian or Islamist terrorism.Regarding charities, it urges the Charity Commission to shut down organizations promoting anti-Zionist violence or hatred, while maintaining safeguards for lawful advocacy.The report also calls on the government to remind music, sporting and cultural venues of their responsibilities under the Equality Act when responding to demands to exclude Jewish or Israeli performers.Iran, Qatar and the Muslim BrotherhoodBeyond domestic activism, Havardi calls for the expulsion of Iran's ambassador to Britain and the proscription of media channels promoting the ideology of the Islamic Republic and its regional proxies.The report identifies several media organizations operating in Britain that it says are connected to Iranian influence networks, including members of the Islamic Radio and Television Union.It also recommends that Britain ban the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on national security grounds.If the organization does not meet the legal threshold for proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000, the report suggests designating it an extremist organization, following the approach of German federal authorities.The report further calls for Qatar's funding of Islamist organizations in Britain to be identified and monitored, accusing Doha of using its media influence to spread anti-Zionist and antisemitic narratives.Anti-Zionism's impact beyond Jewish communitiesThe report also argues that anti-Zionism has consequences for Palestinians, claiming that opposition to Jewish national self-determination undermines coexistence and prospects for a negotiated peace.Havardi contends that anti-Zionist movements marginalize Israelis and Palestinians who pursue dialogue, while political rejectionism has contributed to lost economic opportunities for Palestinians.The report cites previously published research, including figures showing that more than 160,000 Palestinians worked in Israel or Israeli settlements before October 7, 2023, to illustrate the economic importance of cross-border cooperation.Havardi argues that these consequences contradict the British government's commitment to a two-state solution and its support for regional normalization through the Abraham Accords.The report's recommendations have not been adopted as British government policy.Follow us on Google