B’nai B’rith UK

B’nai B’rith UK is appalled by the decision of Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group, as recommended by the West Midlands Police, to ban the fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending the November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. This has been done for on the grounds that it is ‘high risk’ and that the safety of travelling Israeli fans may be compromised. Yet it is an egregious decision to ban or discriminate against the victims of prejudice, something that completely violates all standard protocols of anti-racism. Worse, it appears that the authorities have simply capitulated to a campaign of extremism from local figures. Iqbal Mohamed MP, in a statement on X, welcomed the ban as it would stop “Israeli hooligans and terrorists” from being able to “run riot in our country”. In a chilling threat, Muslim imam Asrar Rashid declared in a video that, “We will show no mercy toward Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who will arrive in several weeks for the match against Aston Villa.” These words are inflammatory and represent a clear form of incitement. If there are genuine safety concerns, the police could increase their presence or, in the worst case scenario, the match itself could be relocated. To prevent Israeli fans from travelling to the game sends out a clear message that they are not welcome in the United Kingdom.  Given the rampant levels of antisemitism we have witnessed recently, this would also further alienate British Jews, still reeling from the murderous Yom Kippur attack in Manchester on 2nd October. It is now essential that this ban is reversed and the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police held to account for this divisive and poorly judged decision

B’nai B’rith UK rejoices in the return of all 20 living hostages to Israel. We have waited for this momentous day for so long and we share in the joy and relief of their families. We hope that the hostages have all the support they need to make a speedy recovery from their unspeakable ordeal. We also share in the grief of those families that have received the remains of their loved ones and wish them long life. We extend our thanks to President Trump for making this day come and hope that his vision for peace and co-existence comes to pass. At the same time, we are outraged that Hamas has withheld the remains of the remaining hostages. It is now essential that the world demands their swift return in order to bring some much needed closure for their families.