UK Jews, Do not Flee; Stand Up and Defend Yourselves!
My dear fellow Jews of the United Kingdom, BS”D
In recent days, public voices in the United States have suggested that Jews in the United Kingdom should consider leaving and seeking asylum elsewhere due to what has been described as an increasingly hostile environment. While such statements may be intended as concern, they risk sending a deeply damaging message: that intimidation and attacks causes Jews to flee.
We Jews have learned that When antisemites believe that Jews are weak, afraid, or retreating, they are not appeased—they are emboldened. Harassment escalates into violence. Threats turn into attacks. Retreat does not bring security; it teaches aggressors that their tactics are effective.
This is why the response to antisemitism can never be panic or surrender. The response must be strength and courage.
There is no denying the seriousness of the moment. Antisemitism in the United Kingdom—and across much of the Western world—has become more aggressive, more visible, and too often ignored by political leadership. It is entirely understandable that many Jews feel anxious and uncertain about the future.
I personally believe that Jews everywhere should think seriously and proudly about making Aliyah (emigrating to Israel). But Jews must never flee in fear. When Jews leave lands of exile, it must be with dignity, strength, and choice—not because hatred has driven them out.
Until such long-term decisions are made, Jewish life in the UK must be protected—responsibly, legally, and professionally.
We have learned through hard experience that security cannot be based on hope alone. It must be organized, trained, and coordinated, working fully within the law and in close cooperation with the police and the Community Security Trust (CST). Strong security is not an act of aggression; it is an act of self-respect.
One highly effective approach draws inspiration from the “air marshal” model: discreet, trained, and vetted security personnel who blend naturally into community life. When implemented legally and transparently, such models enhance deterrence and drastically reduce vulnerability.
“Citizen Defenders” exists to support communities facing precisely these challenges. Our role is not to replace CST or law enforcement, but to contribute training, advisory support, and strategic insight based on international best practices—always in compliance with local law and communal leadership.
When security is done correctly, it sends a clear message: Jewish life will not be intimidated, or chased away. Communities that are prepared project confidence, and strength.
The choice facing UK Jews today is not between fear and flight. It is between rewarding hatred—or denying antisemites the very outcome they seek. By remaining visible, organized, and confident, the Jewish community of the United Kingdom affirms a simple truth: Jews are not afraid.
With respect and solidarity,
Am Yisrael Chai.
COL (Ret.) Yonatan Zagdanski
Former Paratrooper, U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment
Former U.S. Army Chaplain
Co-Founder & Chief Strategic Officer, Citizen Defenders
For info, contact, or to get involved, visit https://citizen-defenders.org