B'nai B'rith UK has asked the British government to classify anti-Zionism as an extremist ideology. The group also wants al-Quds Day demonstrations permanently banned, protests near Jewish institutions restricted, and firmer action taken against organizations it accuses of promoting anti-Jewish hatred.
These demands appear in a 108-page report titled Antizionism: The New Face of Anti-Jewish Extremism, written by Dr. Jeremy Havardi. It was first presented at the UK Parliament on October 20, at an event co-chaired by Labour MP Mark Sewards and Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
The report argues that anti-Zionism has become a leading form of modern antisemitism. It says the movement draws on Nazi propaganda, Soviet ideology and Islamist extremism while presenting itself in the language of human rights and social justice. Havardi describes it as an extremist movement that has contributed to the harassment, intimidation and exclusion of Jews from public life, and the report sets out 11 policy recommendations in response.
A central proposal is that the government formally label anti-Zionism an extremist ideology and condemn political parties, nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups that promote it. On demonstrations, the report says: "No march should be allowed next to synagogues, Jewish schools or Jewish social venues as this is a clear example of racist provocation." It also urges the arrest and prosecution of protesters who incite violence against Zionists, including through calls for an intifada or slogans threatening Jews. While acknowledging the importance of free expression, it argues incitement should not be protected as free speech. Havardi further seeks a permanent ban on London's annual al-Quds Day march, which he links to Iranian efforts to promote radicalization in Britain.
For universities, charities and public bodies, the report recommends mandatory reporting of antisemitic incidents and complaints, including the response taken, along with adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. University administrators would undergo antisemitism training, and institutions would appoint dedicated antisemitism officers where possible. The report also calls for disciplinary action against staff and students found to be glorifying Palestinian or Islamist terrorism.
It urges the Charity Commission to shut down organizations promoting anti-Zionist violence or hatred, while keeping safeguards for lawful advocacy. The government, it says, should also remind music, sporting and cultural venues of their Equality Act duties when they face demands to exclude Jewish or Israeli performers.
On foreign influence, Havardi calls for the expulsion of Iran's ambassador and the proscription of media channels promoting the ideology of the Islamic Republic and its regional proxies. The report names several media organizations in Britain it says are tied to Iranian influence networks, including members of the Islamic Radio and Television Union. It also recommends banning the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on national security grounds, or, if the Terrorism Act 2000 threshold is not met, designating it an extremist organization, following the approach of German federal authorities. Qatar's funding of Islamist groups in Britain should be identified and monitored, the report says, accusing Doha of using its media influence to spread anti-Zionist and antisemitic narratives.
The report also contends that anti-Zionism harms Palestinians, arguing that opposition to Jewish national self-determination undermines coexistence and the prospects for a negotiated peace. Havardi says such movements marginalize Israelis and Palestinians who pursue dialogue. Citing previously published research, the report notes that more than 160,000 Palestinians worked in Israel or Israeli settlements before October 7, 2023, as an example of the economic value of cross-border cooperation. It argues these consequences conflict with Britain's commitment to a two-state solution and its support for regional normalization through the Abraham Accords.
The report's recommendations have not been adopted as British government policy.
