UK Jewish leaders denounce 'Israel' invite to Tommy Robinson
3 Min Read
This latest controversy adds to mounting criticism of Israeli Minister of Diaspora Amichai Chikli, who has sought to strengthen ties between "Israel" and Europe's far-right movements.
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British far-right activist Tommy Robinson is shown on a video screen delivering a speech during a rally in Parliament Square after the final leg of the "March to Leave" in London, Friday, March 29, 2019. (AP Photo/ Frank Augstein)
British Jewish organizations and community figures have sharply criticized the Israeli regime's decision to invite far-right Islamophobic activist Tommy Robinson to the occupied Palestinian territories, calling the move dangerous and divisive.
Amichai Chikli, the regime's so-called Minister for Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, extended the invitation to Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, praising him as a "courageous leader" and "friend of the Jewish people." Robinson said he had accepted the invitation and would travel to the region later this month.
Robinson, a former football hooligan, founded the English Defence League, a movement widely criticized for Islamophobic rhetoric and violent street protests. He has been jailed multiple times over the past two decades for offenses ranging from fraud and drug possession to libel.
In recent years, Robinson has been identified by rights groups and British officials as a key figure in fueling Islamophobic sentiment and unrest across the UK.
Backlash from UK Jewish community
The invitation sparked immediate backlash from the UK's main Jewish organizations, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, which issued a joint statement describing Robinson as a "thug who represents the very worst of Britain."
They condemned Chikli for "ignoring the views of the vast majority of British Jews" and "undermining those genuinely working to tackle extremism and foster community cohesion."
Sayeeda Warsi, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and think tank director Sunder Katwala also criticized the invitation, citing Robinson's long history of criminal behavior and inflammatory rhetoric.
“Tommy Robinson is a thug who represents the very worst of Britain. His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion. Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a Diaspora Minister in name only. In our darkest hour, he has… https://t.co/BswfB4mXZ6 pic.twitter.com/LZ1rkPFzOe
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) October 4, 2025
Chikli doubles down
Chikli, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, dismissed the criticism, accusing the Board of Deputies of having become a "political organization aligned with left-wing, woke, pro-Palestinian parties." He claimed that the organization had abandoned its "once proudly Zionist stance" and was "politically adrift."
He argued that Robinson was "a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam," adding, "Together with friends like Tommy Robinson, we will build stronger bridges of solidarity, fight terror, and defend Western civilization and our shared values."
The @BoardofDeputies has, regrettably, become first and foremost a political organization - openly aligned with left-wing, woke, pro-Palestinian parties.
— עמיחי שיקלי - Amichai Chikli (@AmichaiChikli) October 4, 2025
Just hours after Jews were murdered in Manchester, instead of demanding protection or holding the government accountable, the…
Robinson defends his visit
In an interview with the Jerusalem Post, Robinson defended his visit, claiming that he saw "Israel" as "an ally in every value." He said he intended to show his support "because too many people are afraid to speak up on behalf of Israel."
"I've had backlash for 15 years because I'm standing on the right side of history," he said, adding that he would not receive any financial compensation for the trip. Robinson drew parallels between what he called "disinformation campaigns" against him and those he believes are being waged against "Israel."
This latest controversy adds to mounting criticism of Chikli, who has sought to strengthen ties between "Israel" and Europe's far-right movements. His outreach efforts have sparked diplomatic protests from several European countries.
Earlier this year, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy and German officials boycotted a conference organized by Chikli after learning that far-right European figures had been invited. French President Emmanuel Macron also complained directly to Netanyahu over Chikli's public endorsement of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen during France’s presidential elections.
