UK Jewish Fury Over Israel's 'Thug' Robinson Invite

A major diplomatic and communal row has erupted between the UK's mainstream Jewish representative bodies and the Israeli government following an official invitation extended to far-right British activist Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon).

Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for the Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, sparked the firestorm on Friday by confirming he would host Robinson, covering his flight and hotel costs later this month. Minister Chikli publicly lauded Robinson on X as a “courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam” and a “true friend of Israel and the Jewish people.”

This controversial invitation—extended in the immediate wake of a deadly terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester—has drawn nearly universal condemnation from Britain’s major Jewish and political groups.

UK Jewish Leaders Reject Robinson's Alliance

The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) issued a forceful joint statement, branding Robinson a “thug who represents the very worst of Britain.” The groups accused Minister Chikli of being a “Diaspora Minister in name only” for actively ignoring the views of the vast majority of British Jews.

“In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for,” their statement read. They explicitly warned that Robinson’s presence "undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion." Pressure has mounted, with Labour Friends of Israel calling for the immediate withdrawal of the invitation, citing Robinson's multiple criminal convictions and declaring, "He's no friend to the Jewish people."

Political Condemnation of 'Dangerous Behaviour'

The move has been equally slammed by British politicians. Former Conservative cabinet minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi denounced the invitation to a "man with multiple convictions for violence and fraud" as “irresponsible and deeply dangerous behaviour.” She argued the Israeli government was "sowing division" in the UK by promoting figures who platform hate at a time when communities are uniting in support of the grieving Jewish community.

Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, reinforced this, describing Robinson as a “voice of prejudice and division” and calling for multi-faith and cross-party pressure on the Israeli government to rescind the welcome.

The 'Robinson Card': An Israeli Strategy?

The decision by Minister Chikli, a figure known for his hard-line views, to invite the former founder of the English Defence League (EDL) appears to be a calculated political manoeuvre. Analysts view it as an attempt to cultivate alliances with segments of the international far-right who champion a fervent pro-Israel, anti-Islam stance, regardless of their own history of divisive rhetoric and links to ideologies with antisemitic roots, such as the 'Great Replacement' theory.

Minister Chikli's defence aligns with his history of criticizing the UK Labour Government’s handling of antisemitism and its foreign policy, including the recent UK recognition of Palestinian statehood. By inviting Robinson, the Minister's actions may serve a triple purpose: directly delegitimizing mainstream UK Jewish leadership (whom Chikli has accused of being "left-wing"), signaling a hard-line, anti-Islam international alliance, and offering a form of political retaliation against the current UK Government.

Robinson Confirms Political Itinerary

Despite the fierce backlash, Robinson has confirmed he will accept the invitation, claiming his conviction is strengthened that the UK and Israel are fighting "the same battle—against the scourge of Islamic jihad." He plans to travel immediately following a court appearance on October 13.

His announced itinerary is highly political, including visits to the Knesset to meet government leaders, a tour of "Judea and Samaria" (the West Bank), trips to October 7 massacre sites, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Centre. In a move seen as highly provocative, Robinson also stated his "hope to get into Gaza," a warzone currently under an aid blockade.

Robinson's recent prominence in the UK, marked by a massive 'Unite the Kingdom' march in London, was directly followed by a reported spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes, with the Tell Mama charity recording over 150 anti-Muslim hate reports in the week following the rally. This history underscores why the UK Jewish community views his presence as not only divisive but fundamentally harmful to community relations.