Newsletter | 2025-07-20
When we launched Our Fight in the wake of the October 7th pogrom and declared that we are 'for Israel and against anti-Semitism', we felt it was also important to emphasise our commitment to free speech. This is because we believe all opinions should be out in the open, however objectionable they might be, so that we can engage politically with our opponents and try to publicly expose their arguments.
The past 21 months has seen our support for this principle tested to the limit. Week after week on the streets of London we’ve witnessed thousands of 'pro-Palestinian' protestors calling for the destruction of the state of Israel, for a global intifada and for jihad. Much of this 'speech' goes beyond expressing opinions and making arguments, into the realm of incitement, harassment, intimidation and calls for violence against Jewish people.
And it has not only been on the streets that the principle of free speech has been a battleground. The police have acted to prosecute a member of the Irish hip hop trio, Kneecap, for showing support for Hezbollah on stage, and have investigated Bob Vylan, who called for 'Death to the IDF' in front of an overexcited crowd at Glastonbury.
Our Fight
We've also seen the Government proscribe Palestine Action, classifying them as a terrorist organisation, The Comedy Store play host to anti-Israeli comedian Sundeep Bhardwaj, and the Royal Academy summer show feature anti-Semitic artworks from Michael Sandle for the second year running.
Our Fight
Whilst all of these groups and individuals have shouted about free speech, artistic freedom or the right to protest when they come under fire, we have tested their commitment to these principles by confronting them at every available opportunity. And predictably their response has been to use threats and actual violence to try and stop us making use of our own right to free speech. (See videos of all these activities in the Recent Activities section below.)
But although these anti-Israel bigots are dangerous supporting their shutdown not only presents a challenge to free speech, but also allows the keffiyah-set to paint themselves as heroes, bravely 'speaking out for Gaza', and presenting any criticism of their bigotry as a 'diversion from the real issues'. And there is nothing more sickening than seeing so-called progressives like Kneecap, Bob Vylan, Sundeep Bhardwaj, Ben Jamal and Huda Ammori, claiming the mantel of free speech champion even as they chant their anti-Semitic bigotry.
Not only must we be careful about providing fuel to the 'luvvies as martyrs' movement, we must also be mindful that by proscribing Palestine Action the Government is not just limiting the right to protest, but is also redefining terrorism to something that most people would not recognise.
In the wake of this action, it's difficult to believe the Government has a coherent policy on tackling terrorism; Palestine Action are now regarded as a more dangerous organisation in the UK than the Islamic Republican Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran. Their confusion on this is indicative of a broader lack of resolve within an establishment which would prefer we don't talk about the domestic threat from Islamism in case it draws attention to the failings of decades of multiculturalism. You won't find a better and clearer explanation of this than that provided by Tim Black on spiked on the 20th anniversary of 7/7.
Tim Black
So whilst it will continue to be a struggle to retain our commitment to free speech when confronted by anti-Israel zealots from all sides, we must continue to use our freedoms to expose these people for what they are: the enemies of democracy and of all the values that we must continue to defend.
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Recent Activities
In June members of our solidarity delegation to Israel reported back on their trip. The session was live-streamed and a recording is on our YouTube channel.
In the last month we have challenged Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, outside the Royal Courts of Justice and in Parliament Square. We don't support their proscription, but that doesn't mean we can't expose that despite their claims, their supporters are not in favour of the right to protest for all.
Likewise we turned up at Westminster Magistrates' Court at the same time as a hearing for Palestine Solidarity Campaign leaders—again to see whether they were concerned about the right of protest for everyone. You'll not be surprised by the outcome of that.
We also checked whether anti-Semitic comedian Sundeep Bhardwaj in The Comedy Store had any sympathies for free speech by trying to ask a question in the Q&A session at the end of his show—only to be shouted down by members of the audience.
Mark Birbeck appeared with Jonathan Sacerdoti on Free Speech Nation, discussing whether proscribing Palestine Action will actually make us any safer.
We also caught up with Isaac Grand, one of the two young Zionists who were trapped on a bus in Trafalgar Square whilst Palestine Action took over the streets.
On the 20th anniversary of 7/7 we went to Edgware Road to pay our respects to those who were murdered in one of the worst terrorist attacks in Britain.
And finally, on Saturday, Our Fight confronted supporters of Palestine Action in Parliament Square as they provoked the police into arresting them whilst promoting the lie that the war against Hamas in Gaza is a genocide.
You can see all of these activities and more in the playlist for this newsletter, on our YouTube channel.
Upcoming Activities
We will be out on the streets standing up for Israel, against anti-Semitism and for free speech in the days, weeks and months to come. If you'd like to join us then please get in touch.
Sunday, September 7th
The Campaign Against Antisemitism will be holding a march in London on Sunday, September 7th. We'll be organising an Our Fight contingent, with more details to follow, but in the meantime, save the date.
isobel.c
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Important Reads
Our Fight
Our Fight
Tim Black
Simon Cottee
Finn McRedmond
spiked
