OPINION – VANESSA FELTZ: And you may take from a Jewish Brit who was chased by a pro-Palestine protester shouting “scum”.
Vanessa Feltz (Picture: -)
Responding with horror to the stabbings of two Jewish males in Golders Inexperienced, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis stated: “I’m unhappy to say this proves that if you’re visibly Jewish you aren’t protected within the UK.” I’m wondering what you understood the phrase “visibly Jewish” to imply? A celeb I received’t title, celebrated extensively for his geniality, advised me: “Sure, these males with beards and massive hats. Effectively, frankly, they put all people’s backs up.” This stalwart of showbiz was unprepared for my strong response.
Maybe, like him, you think about “visibly Jewish” refers solely to Orthodox Jews whose clothes and facial hair proclaims their piety? Perhaps you have got satisfied your self they’d be nice if they simply had a shave and took off these antiquated titfers? Presumably you haven’t given the matter a second thought?
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The present UK inhabitants is sort of 70 million; simply 330,000 of us are Jewish. We’re so few; many British individuals have by no means met a Jew. I used to be born inside the sound of Bow bells. I learn English Literature at Trinity Faculty, Cambridge.
I can recite Shakespeare’s sonnets in my sleep. I’m Jewish. My grandchildren are seventh-generation Jewish Londoners. I’m 64 years previous. A number of months in the past, recognizing me strolling to the tube after my LBC present, the chief of a Picadilly Circus pro-Palestine protest repeatedly shrieked: “Vanessa Feltz, Vanessa Feltz Fascist Zionist scum!” into the microphone earlier than giving chase. I used to be scared stiff.
Let me inform you what “visibly Jewish” actually means in 2026. It’s the younger lady in denims, trainers and a hoodie, with an auburn ponytail, popping right into a deli in Manchester for a plaited loaf of bread.
Her household is extra “culturally Jewish” than religiously observant. As a nod to custom, they make a blessing over challah each Friday evening to welcome the Sabbath.
Frequenting a kosher store instantly identifies her as Jewish. What concerning the blonde widow visiting her husband’s grave at a Jewish cemetery, the suited and booted dad dropping his child at a synagogue kindergarten or the youngsters, some twin heritage with café au lait complexions, boarding the bus on the finish of the varsity day? The badge on their blazers testifies that they attend a Jewish faculty.
In case your intent is to hunt or kill Jewish individuals, discovering us is straightforward. We’re doing precisely what you do – ready for a bus, having a blow-dry, shopping for a sandwich for lunch. Think about feeling unsafe going to the dentist/submit workplace/butcher on this great nation, famed for freedom and multiculturalism. Please don’t flip a blind eye. You will have a voice. Converse out.
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