United by Faith Stands Against Antisemitism and Extremism at Oxford Circus
London, 23/03/25 – At a time when antisemitism and religious persecution are on the rise, Christians gathered in solidarity at Oxford Circus to oppose extremism and stand with Jewish communities under threat. United by Faith, a movement uniting Christians from diverse backgrounds for shared concerns, joined over 400 demonstrators at the Stop the Hate counter-protest to challenge the radical narratives promoted at the Al Quds Day March.
For years, Al Quds Day—an event orchestrated by the Iranian regime—has been a platform for antisemitic rhetoric, calls for terrorism, and the glorification of groups like Hezbollah. The march has emboldened radical elements in Britain, leading to a rise in antisemitic hate crimes and a growing sense of fear within Jewish communities. Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, was invited to speak at the event and emphasised the growing dangers of both antisemitism and religious extremism. After the event, he stated, "The rise in hate and the glorification of terrorism during events like Al Quds Day are not only a threat to Jewish communities but to the fabric of British society. As Christians, we must unite against these forces and stand firmly against any form of violence or hatred, especially when it masquerades as religious duty."
You can watch his delivery here:
Christians Must Stand with Persecuted Communities
United by Faith firmly believes that opposing antisemitism is not only a moral duty but a Christian responsibility. The Bible calls Christians to seek justice (Isaiah 1:17), stand with the oppressed (Proverbs 31:8-9), and love our neighbours (Mark 12:31). Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced persecution—from ancient times to the Holocaust, and now in modern-day Britain. As followers of Christ, who himself was Jewish, we cannot remain silent in the face of hatred.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, also voiced deep concerns about the escalating persecution of Christians, drawing attention to its link with the rise of antisemitism and stressing the critical need for communities to unite in solidarity:
"Christian persecution is on the rise worldwide, and radical ideologies are at the heart of this injustice. From the horrific attacks on Christians in countries like Iran and Pakistan to the growing hostility in Western nations, we must take a firm stand. However, as Christians, we must also recognise that antisemitism is an attack on religious freedom as a whole. When Jews are persecuted, Christians are never far behind. Yesterday, we stood not just against hatred, but for the freedom of all faiths to live without fear."
Faith Leaders Demand Action Against Extremism
Reverend Hayley Ace, Co-founder of Christian Action Against Antisemitism, issued a powerful call for the UK government to take a stronger stance against Islamist extremism and antisemitic rhetoric:
"Al Quds Day, orchestrated by the Islamic regime in Iran, serves as a dangerous platform for inciting violence and promoting the destruction of the Jewish State. The rhetoric espoused during this event manipulates religion to call for armed 'resistance' against Israel, a stance diametrically opposed to the values of freedom, individualism, and democracy upheld in the West. It is alarming that the UK government permits the Al Quds March to take place in central London, a hub for a hateful ideology supported by terrorist groups like Hezbollah and funded by the Islamic regime.
"The time has come for the UK to address the threat of extremism and Islamism to national security and unity. As a Christian leader, I urge the government and fellow Christian leaders to unequivocally reject the narrative of the Islamic regime and ban events like the Al Quds March that propagate terrorism and extremism. It is imperative to safeguard our nation and freedoms by speaking out and taking a firm stand against such ideologies."
The IRGC Threat and Christian-Jewish Solidarity
A major concern raised at the protest was the influence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in spreading extremism and persecuting religious minorities. In Iran, Christians are imprisoned, tortured, and even executed for practising their faith. Jewish communities face state-sponsored antisemitism, while minorities of all backgrounds live under the constant threat of violence.
United by Faith calls on the UK government to fully proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation and to shut down groups that promote antisemitism and extremism on British soil.
Christian Unity in Action
United by Faith’s participation in the Stop the Hate protest was a demonstration of its mission: bringing Christians together to stand for biblical principles, religious freedom, and justice. The group urges all Christians to speak out boldly against antisemitism, religious persecution, and extremism wherever they appear.
"We are called to be a light in dark places," said Wilson Chowdhry. "Standing against extremism is not just a political issue—it is a moral and spiritual duty. When Jews are attacked, Christians must not be silent. We must stand with them, just as we would hope others would stand with us in times of persecution."
About United by Faith
United by Faith is a movement dedicated to bringing Christians together across denominational and cultural lines to address shared concerns, defend religious freedom, and promote biblical justice. Through advocacy, public engagement, and activism, United by Faith amplifies the Christian voice in society, ensuring that believers stand firm in the face of rising threats.
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