Pro-Palestine March Sparks Outcry from Jewish Groups in Essex

A pro-Palestine march in Westcliff, Essex, held during Passover and near local synagogues, has drawn strong condemnation from Jewish groups who called it deliberately antagonistic and a source of fear and alarm for the Jewish community. Critics highlighted that the march's timing and location coincided with the Sabbath and Passover celebrations, forcing some synagogue-goers to alter their routines out of concern. Jewish organizations, including the Community Security Trust and Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, described the march as hateful and accused police of failing to intervene adequately, especially given chants like 'stop killing children' that they argued echoed historical anti-Semitic libels. Organizers and some participants defended the protest, citing humanitarian concerns and the right to protest for Palestinian justice. Essex Police adjusted the march's start time for safety and maintained a visible presence, stating they had a proportionate plan in place. The event comes amid broader discussions about protest routes, police powers, and balancing free expression with community safety.