Batman, Bibas, and Bravery: A Protest Against Terror and Hate
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Coventry Street in Central London became the stage for a powerful demonstration against antisemitism and extremism. The "Stop the Hate" counter-protest, inspired by the spirit of Purim, honored the memory of the Bibas brothers—Ariel (4 years old) and Kfir (10 months old)—who were among the victims of Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, 2023.
For 17 months, London has witnessed frequent "pro-Palestinian" marches that, far from simply expressing solidarity, have often been tainted by antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel propaganda. These demonstrations have created a troubling environment, fostering radicalization and normalizing hatred. In response, "Stop the Hate" and its supporters organized a peaceful, defiant event—one that stood for truth, unity, and the values of compassion and decency that define Great Britain.
The Significance of Purim
Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the survival of the Jewish people against a genocidal plot in ancient Persia. The biblical story recounts how Queen Esther intervened to thwart Haman, who had sought to exterminate the Jews. The parallels between this ancient story and the ongoing threat posed by Hamas—whose adherents openly call for harm against Jews—are striking and deeply relevant. Just as the Jewish people survived Haman’s scheme, we stand resilient against modern-day manifestations of the same hatred.
Honoring the Bibas Brothers
On that fateful day in October 2023, Hamas, a known proxy of the Islamic regime, abducted over 240 individuals in an unprecedented act of terror. Among them were Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir. The final image of the two boys dressed in Batman costumes became a haunting symbol of their innocence. Tragically, Hamas murdered them in captivity.
To honor their memory, protestors at the counter-demonstration dressed in Batman-themed attire, embodying the last joyful moments of the Bibas brothers before their horrific fate. The color orange—representing the children’s distinctive red hair—was a dominant theme, symbolizing remembrance and defiance in the face of terror.
The vile killing of the Bibas children by Hamas terrorists is sick and abhorrent, as is the failure to return the body of their mother Shiri to the grieving family. Her body must be returned. The hostages must be released. This nightmare must end. https://t.co/dScjVpbySh
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) February 21, 2025
A Call for Unity and Peace
The vile killing of the Bibas children by Hamas terrorists is sick and abhorrent, as is the failure to return the body of their mother Shiri to the grieving family. Her body must be returned. The hostages must be released. This nightmare must end. https://t.co/dScjVpbySh
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) February 21, 2025With approximately 200 participants, the event drew support from people of all faiths and backgrounds, standing together to denounce hatred and call for peace. The demonstration was organized in collaboration with Christian Action Against Antisemitism, highlighting the shared commitment of different communities to combating antisemitism and extremism.
The message was clear: Enough is enough. Hatred must end. Hostages must be safely returned. The right of Jewish people to live in safety and dignity must be upheld.
As we reflect on this event, we remember that standing against hatred is not just a Jewish cause—it is a human one. Just as Queen Esther’s bravery is celebrated during Purim, so too must we find the courage to confront antisemitism wherever it arises.
The "Stop the Hate" counter-protest was more than a gathering; it was a statement of resilience, solidarity, and hope. Inspired by Purim and the tragic loss of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, this event reinforced the urgent need to challenge antisemitism and extremism in all its forms.
Yochy Davis, co-founder of Stop the Hate, said:
"It was an incredibly emotional event, touching the hearts of many. Bystanders joined us, moved to tears by our message and solidarity. From now on, Purim will forever be linked to the Bibas family and the boys' love of Batman, a poignant reminder of their stolen innocence.
"Stop the Hate has become more than just a movement—it is a family for UK Jews and people of all faiths. Together, we cry, we laugh, we mourn, we celebrate, and we fight for justice. Most importantly, we ensure that our voices are heard."
Reverend Hayley Ace, Co-founder of Christian Action Against Antisemitism, said:
"As a part of the global community of righteous Christians, I am deeply grieved by the senseless murder of the Bibas brothers and their mother Shiri at the hands of Gazan murderers. Their deaths, and the apathy of the institutional church towards the rise of Islamism and suffering of the Jewish people, are a stark reminder of the importance of standing up against such atrocities. It is now up to the grassroots church and all righteous Christians to be the true voice and advocates for the Jewish Nation in the face of such heinous acts."
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, commented about the alarming rise in antisemitism in the UK following the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent military efforts to dismantle the terrorist group. He stated:
"Since the horrific events of October 7 2023, we have witnessed a shocking surge in antisemitic incidents across the UK, fueled by misinformation and extremist rhetoric. Israel has acted within its legitimate right to defend its citizens and eliminate Hamas, a terrorist organization that has openly called for the destruction of Jews. Yet, false narratives persist, distorting both historical and legal realities.
"One common misconception is the claim that only a handful of Jews resided in the Middle East before Israel’s creation, ignoring the centuries-long presence of Jewish communities in the region. Furthermore, Israel initially adhered to UN-defined borders, but following the attempts of neighboring Arab states to annihilate the newly established nation, it was forced into defensive wars. The territories it gained as a result of these conflicts remain legally disputed, yet some insist on labeling them ‘illegally occupied’ without acknowledging the historical and security complexities that led to their current status.
"Israel has, over time, returned some of these lands as part of peace negotiations, such as withdrawing from Sinai under the Egypt-Israel peace treaty and disengaging from Gaza in 2005. Further territorial concessions remain a topic of debate, with various proposals being considered. One of the most notable suggestions in recent years came from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, during his administration, introduced the "Peace to Prosperity" plan. This initiative proposed a framework for a two-state solution, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over certain settlements while offering the Palestinians a pathway to statehood with substantial economic incentives.
"Additionally, Trump’s plan included the possibility of long-term international oversight of some disputed areas, with discussions of potential U.S. administration or joint governance as an interim measure to ensure stability. While this proposal was largely rejected by Palestinian leadership at the time, it reflected an alternative approach to managing territorial disputes outside of traditional frameworks.
"As the situation evolves, future U.S. administrations may revisit elements of Trump's strategy, particularly in light of renewed regional instability and shifting geopolitical alliances. Moving forward, it is crucial that any peace proposals acknowledge Israel’s security needs while ensuring a just and lasting resolution to the conflict."
As ceasefire talks falter, it is vital to protect innocent people in all communities. Calls for peace must reject antisemitism and all forms of hate. Israel’s renewed strikes on Gaza have killed at least 235 people, according to local hospitals. Prime Minister Netanyahu blames Hamas for refusing to release hostages, while Donald Trump warned that no Hamas member would be safe unless they did so. Hamas, unwilling to surrender its leverage, recently offered to release one soldier and four bodies, but U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed the offer as unrealistic. In this tense moment, protests must promote peace—not fuel division or hate.
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