Activists from Jewish Anti-Zionist Action and other Jewish grassroots groups protest against the launch of ‘Reform Jewish Alliance’ at Central Synagogue, London, February 11, 2026 [Pic: Talia Woodin]
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JEWISH activists from grassroots groups within the Jewish Bloc for Palestine protested and interrupted the launch event of Reform UK’s Jewish Alliance (RJA) for “excusing anti-semitism.”
As Reform UK leader Nigel Farage took the stage at London’s Central Synagogue on Tuesday evening, protesters in the audience disrupted his speech, loudly accusing him and members of the party of “inciting attacks” on refugees and minority groups.
They highlighted that Mr Farage’s party “would have deported” their own ancestors who arrived in Britain as Jewish refugees in the first half of the 20th century.
Protesters also picketed outside, accusing the venue of providing a platform for racism and anti-semitism, holding signs quoting controversial remarks by Reform UK figures — including alleged anti-semitic comments by Mr Farage from his school days at Dulwich College, such as “Hitler was right.”
Jewish Bloc for Palestine spokesman Max Hammer said: “It’s not surprising to see disgraced right-wing provocateurs and former spokespeople for Israel’s genocidal government make overtures to Farage’s Reform.
“But we’re dismayed and disgusted to see the Central Synagogue play along.
“How can a synagogue provide a platform to a man who allegedly spent his school days saying that Hitler was right?
“We cannot stay silent when known anti-semites use our sacred spaces to try and launder their reputation.
“Farage and his ilk are dangerous to Jews, dangerous to Muslims, and dangerous to all minority groups in the UK. No-one in our community should let him forget that.”
A coalition of Jewish groups had previously denounced the RJA launch, which will feature regular events with senior Reform politicians and Jewish community figures. The Jewish Bloc for Palestine released a statement on Friday calling the synagogue’s decision a “desecration of its purpose.”
The RJA was initiated by right-wing activist Gary Mond and will be led by Jason Pearlman, a former adviser to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to reports.
Campaigners say the controversy symbolises growing political polarisation within the British Jewish community.
Recent polling by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research shows support for Reform UK among Jews has risen sharply in the past year to 11 per cent.
