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Britain's leading rabbi has stated that many individuals in Jewish society and further afield are wondering why protests such as those challenging the ban on Palestine Action are permitted to proceed.

Sir Ephraim Mirvis stated: “A portion of them feature blatant antisemitism, open backing for Hamas. Not all participant, however exists so much of these actions, that is clearly hazardous to countless in our society.”

Talking before traveling in Manchester this Friday to join grieving families the loss of two men during a terror incident at a synagogue, he stressed an immediate necessity for collective reflection.”

The attack happened in the wake of what he termed an “unrelenting wave of animosity targeting Jewish people” on Britain’s streets, universities, online platforms and in some sections of the media, the chief rabbi stated on the BBC's Today show.

Highlighting the chant “globalise the intifada” – which many view as an incitement toward aggression targeting Jewish individuals – he said the nation had experienced “with devastating obviousness” this past Thursday the implications of that phrase.

Coming back to his earlier description as broadcast on public grounds and on the internet, he noted: “Much of the material is deeply offensive and also, when present the unfounded criticism of Israel that feeds straight into hostility toward Jews within the tone of Britain and that then encourages extremism. National leaders must be aware of that.”

Upon questioning regarding demonstrations organized by advocates for Palestine urging a halt to the conflict within Gaza and rallies calling for the lifting of the prohibition on the outlawed entity Palestine Action, he answered that “a significant portion” of such activities are dangerous to countless in British society.

“Since the 7th of October last year we have seen numerous individuals who have questioned for what purpose these demonstrations are permitted to occur on our streets.”

“You cannot separate the speech in public forums, the behaviors of individuals in this way and the results ultimately follow … The two are directly linked and therefore we urge the government once more to assert authority regarding these rallies since they prove hazardous.”

Faith leaders also hold a specific role to undertake, the senior rabbi remarked, saying: “We must speak regarding restraining our words, the views we share, how we express these thoughts and additionally a religious leader must encourage coexistence and calm across public spaces and in domestic settings.”

His statements came as the president from Israel, Isaac Herzog, stated that Thursday proved to be “awful day” for the Jewish community in Britain, the wider UK, and Jews throughout the world.

“It is a stark warning about what we have been cautioning on for quite some time, that this surge of antisemitism and anti-Jewish feelings worldwide eventually results in bloodshed,” he told a radio station.

Included among calling for more official steps regarding anti-Jewish hatred included Danny Cohen, the past director at the BBC channel, who commented to a news station it is necessary to have a national investigation on antisemitism launched without delay” as “an issue has become seriously flawed in our society, and it demands prompt action.”