"We Will Not Be Silenced": United by Faith Joins March Against Antisemitism in Brighton
Brighton, July 27, 2025 – More than 200 people took part in a defiant march through Brighton on Sunday, standing in solidarity with Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism in the UK. The March Against Extremism, co-organised by Jewish & Proud, Sussex Friends of Israel, and Stop The Hate, called for urgent government action against anti-Jewish hate and the immediate release of hostages still held in Gaza, now 661 days into captivity.
Among the keynote speakers was Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, a Christian human rights group that unites believers from diverse ethnic and denominational backgrounds. A respected campaigner of Pakistani origin, Wilson was joined at the event by his wife and daughters in a clear display of interfaith solidarity. He was invited to speak at the march’s first major stop, the historic Brighton Clock Tower, where his heartfelt and uncompromising message received a deeply emotional response from the crowd. Please watch the video below:
Speech by Wilson Chowdhry – Stop the Hate March for Israel
Good afternoon, friends.
It’s an honour to be with you today, and I want to thank Yochy, Mel, Vicky, and all the organisers of Jewish & Proud, Sussex Friends of Israel, and Stop the Hate for inviting me to speak.My name is Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith. I am a Pakistani origin Christian and a human rights activist, and I stand with you today because I believe truth matters — and because I’ve seen what happens when hatred is allowed to grow unchecked.
I come from a community that has suffered from persecution. In Pakistan, Christians are murdered for their faith, jailed under blasphemy laws, and treated as second-class citizens. I know what it feels like to be demonised, to be lied about, and to be attacked just for who you are.
That’s why I cannot stay silent as Israel — and by extension, Jews around the world — are being vilified in a relentless, dangerous propaganda campaign.
We are seeing a distortion of truth on a global scale. The October 7th massacre, where over 1,200 innocent people were slaughtered and 251 taken hostage, has somehow been buried under headlines that blame Israel for the suffering caused by Hamas.
Let’s be clear: supporting Palestinian civilians does not require vilifying Jews or legitimising terror. But the propaganda we’re seeing does exactly that — and it is fuelling antisemitism in our towns, in our schools, in our places of worship. That is unacceptable.
What’s worse, humanitarian aid — meant to save lives — is being weaponised to shame Israel. Lorries sit waiting at the border, but the UN won’t take the aid across, often citing chaos or refusing to work with more efficient partners like the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Hamas steals aid, uses it to fund its war machine, and then turns the cameras on starving children to blame Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel is not only allowing aid in — it has paused military operations 10 hours a day in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi to create humanitarian corridors. It’s even carried out aid airdrops — delivering flour, sugar, and canned food — in areas still under Hamas control and allows other nations the same privilege. What other country fighting a genocidal terrorist group does that?
And yet, what dominates the headlines? Accusations. Condemnation. Demands for ceasefires without a single mention of the 50 hostages still held by Hamas — many of whom are presumed dead.
Let me ask: How can there be peace while hostages remain in captivity? How can a meaningful process begin while Hamas — which started this war — still refuses even to allow the Red Cross to check on the captives?
Any nation under attack has the right to defend itself. Israel has shown restraint, even under extreme provocation. The world should be rallying behind the demand for hostage release, not rushing to label Israel as a war criminal while ignoring the brutality of Hamas.
To my Jewish brothers and sisters: you are not alone. You have friends in the Christian world. You have allies who see the truth and will stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, against the lies.
Today, let’s change the narrative. Let’s tell the world:
That truth matters
That Jewish lives matter
That Israel has the right to exist and defend itself
And that we will not be silenced by mobs or intimidated by hatred
Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live.
And so does truth, justice, and our shared humanity.
Before I close, I must raise a serious concern about developments here in the UK.
The government has appointed a working group, chaired by Dominic Grieve, to define “anti-Muslim hatred” or “Islamophobia.” While protecting Muslims from genuine hate is essential, this group includes no dissenting voices — no ex-Muslims, secular thinkers, or free speech advocates — and is likely to produce a vague, one-sided definition that could criminalise legitimate criticism of Islam.
This risks creating a blasphemy law in all but name, threatening freedom of speech and conscience in a way we’ve seen weaponised in countries like Pakistan.
That’s why I’m asking you to sign my petitions calling for:
A pause in the process
Proper public consultation
A balanced approach that protects all communities without censoring debate or dissent
You can find both petitions, including the official UK Government online petition, on my blog at wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com, or feel free to give me your email after the event and I’ll send you the links directly.
Thank you.
A Cross-Community Call for Justice
The event began at Brighton Station at 12pm, making its way through the city centre via Jubilee Clock Tower, Western Road, Preston Street, and the beachfront, before culminating at the Peace Memorial in Hove. A vigil for hostages still held in Gaza followed — a deeply moving moment marked by memorial prayers and quiet reflection.
Participants included:
Jewish & Proud – Local organisers mobilising grassroots Jewish resistance to hate
Sussex Friends of Israel – Brighton’s leading direct-action Zionist group
Stop The Hate – The UK’s largest Jewish-led direct action organisation
Our Fight – A cross-faith, pro-Israel alliance of Jews and non-Jews determined to uphold the truth of October 7th
A visible police presence helped ensure a largely peaceful and respectful event, despite attempts by a handful of aggressive pro-Palestinian counter-protesters to disrupt the proceedings. Tensions flared briefly during two separate incidents, but swift police intervention and arrests helped restore order. Once calm was re-established, the march continued with renewed focus and determination. The tone throughout remained solemn yet defiant — a united stand against the vilification of Israel and the growing hostility faced by its supporters.
After the march, many participants attended a community lunch at La Piazza in Palmeira Square, further building friendships and partnerships between attendees of all backgrounds. Chairman Chowdhry and his family were warmly received at the protest, with many thanking him for his courage and clarity.
A Message That Resonates
Reflecting on the day, Wilson Chowdhry said:
"To march today with my wife and daughters alongside so many brave Jewish families was humbling. Our faith compels us to act against injustice, and this event proved that when people of good conscience unite, hate loses ground. We must keep standing together — loudly, visibly, and consistently."
United by Faith remains committed to strengthening interfaith bonds and challenging all forms of religious hatred. We extend our thanks to the organisers of the March Against Extremism and to all who continue to speak out for truth, justice, and the right to live free from fear.
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