'Do your job!' Sadiq Khan condemned for lack of response to support London Jewish community

​Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan has been condemned by critics over his response to the Israel-Hamas conflict with some calling for the London Mayor to 'reassure' Jewish communities across the city

PA
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 13/10/2023

- 14:54

Updated: 14/10/2023

- 12:09

The London mayor has received backlash after four Jewish schools in London were closed over safety fears

Sadiq Khan has been condemned by critics over his response to the Israel-Hamas conflict with some calling for the London Mayor to "reassure" Jewish communities across the city.

The Mayor of London shared his "grave concerns" over the events in Gaza in a speech which he posted on social media.


Khan said those caught up in conflict "urgently need humanitarian aid including food, water & medical supplies".

He added that "London stands in solidarity with our Jewish community and all those affected during this terrible time".

WATCH NOW: Closing Jewish schools is SERIOUS Safety concern

The London Mayor has also called for the Israeli government to reconsider blocking off food, water and electricity to the region in response to the killings and kidnappings by the militant group.

Speaking during a visit to Medical Aid For Palestinians (MAP) in Islington, Khan said he fears a “disproportionate” response by Israel to the attacks by Hamas could lead to “inexplicable suffering” in Gaza.

He has received backlash after four Jewish schools in London were closed over safety fears amid a rise in antisemitism.

Protests in support of Palestinians have been carried out across London over recent days following a retaliation of Israeli air strikes.

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Protests in support of Palestinians have been carried out across London over recent days following a retaliation of Israeli air strikes

PA

Many have since taken to social media to criticise Khan's response.

Journalist Charlotte Gill wrote: "Khan isn’t shadow/ defence Secretary or in the shadow/Cabinet. He is Mayor of London where four Jewish schools are shut today. He should be out beside them reassuring the community. That is his job."

Another social media user added: "I would have thought that the protection of threatened Londoners would warrant greater attention from the Mayor, whose precise job it is through the Met Police.

"Why is it that schools in London need to shut to protect their pupils? And how will they be safer on Monday and beyond?"

Earlier this week, the Mayor visited the Darna restaurant at Golders Green to show his "solidarity with London’s Jewish community".

Earlier this week, the Mayor visited the Darna restaurant at Golders Green to show his 'solidarity with London’s Jewish community'

X/ Sadiq Khan

However, the Mayor has also been urged to crack down on those demonstrating in defence of Palestine.

It comes after posters for missing Israeli children were torn down all over London by Palestinian supporters in protest over the war.

One person wrote online: "London under Sadiq Khan is a little like 1930s Germany at the moment, Jews can not walk safely in the street, their homes and businesses are not safe from attack and their community is not safe from harassment!

"Yet we refuse to deal with the problem, Liberal weakness!"

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