Prince William visited a synagogue in London and expressed his condemnation of the rise in antisemitism, stating that it has no place in society. This visit marked the prince’s first public appearance since he withdrew from a memorial service due to a personal matter. During his time at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, Prince William met with Holocaust survivors, Jewish student representatives, and young people who shared their experiences of being affected by antisemitism. The prince was informed about the increase in antisemitism following the Hamas attacks and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Edward Isaacs, the head of the Union of Jewish Students UK and Ireland, highlighted the surge in antisemitism on college campuses, emphasizing the severity of incidents such as death threats and physical assaults targeting Jewish students. Emma Levy, the president of Leeds Universities Jewish Society, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unprecedented climate of fear that has emerged within the community.
Prince William reassured the individuals he met, acknowledging the detrimental impact of antisemitism and affirming that it has no place in society. He expressed deep concern over the rise in hatred towards the Jewish community and emphasized the importance of breaking out of social media echo chambers to foster understanding and empathy among different groups.
The prince also engaged with Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, expressing sympathy for her experiences during World War II and encouraging ongoing dialogue between survivors and younger generations. Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, commended Prince William for his allyship and emphasized the significance of his visit in sending a message of inclusivity and support to the Jewish community.
In light of ongoing health concerns for his wife Catherine, Prince William has taken on additional public duties, including engagements related to humanitarian issues. He recently advocated for an end to the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need for increased humanitarian support and the release of hostages. Through his actions and statements, Prince William continues to demonstrate a commitment to addressing societal challenges and promoting unity and understanding.
