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Prince Harry raises alarm over rising antisemitism
The Duke of Sussex has called the recent increase in hostility toward Jewish communities in Britain "deeply troubling," linking it to violent attacks across the country.
Recent attacks spark concern
In an opinion piece published by the New Statesman, Prince Harry highlighted a series of assaults on synagogues and Jewish sites in recent months. Among them was a stabbing incident on April 29 in Golders Green, north London, that left two Jewish men injured.
Protests and prejudice
The prince acknowledged the right to protest against state actions but stressed the need for clarity in directing anger. He wrote that criticism of governments or military actions "can never justify hostility toward an entire people or faith."
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have faced heightened scrutiny after reports of antisemitic incidents during marches. The UK government has accused some protesters of exploiting the events to stoke division.
Distinguishing protest from hatred
In his article, titled "My fears for a divided kingdom," Prince Harry warned that hatred targeting individuals based on identity or beliefs "is not protest. It is prejudice."
"When anger is turned towards communities - whether Jewish, Muslim, or any other - it ceases to be a call for justice and becomes something far more corrosive."
Prince Harry, New Statesman
The duke emphasized that silence enables extremism to grow unchecked, prompting his decision to speak out.
State accountability vs. collective blame
While Prince Harry did not explicitly name Israel, he referred to state actions that raise concerns under international humanitarian law. He argued that criticism of such actions is "legitimate, necessary, and essential" in a democracy but cautioned against shifting blame to entire populations.
"The onus falls squarely on the state - not an entire people," he wrote, noting that polarized public debate has worsened confusion and division.
Personal reflection and call for unity
The prince reflected on his own past, alluding to a 2005 incident when he wore a Nazi uniform to a costume party at age 20. He publicly apologized at the time, calling it a "poor choice of costume."
In his latest appeal, Prince Harry urged unity against both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, framing the issue as a broader challenge to societal cohesion.
