The Home Office is investigating allegations that two Israeli survivors of the 7 October Hamas terror attacks were subjected to antisemitic comments by a Border Force officer upon their arrival at Manchester airport. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region (JRC) has claimed the two men, brothers who had survived the Hamas assault on the Nova music festival in Re’im, were told by one officer after being detained that they had to “make sure that you are not going to do what you are doing in Gaza over here” as they were released. The men, who arrived in Manchester from Brussels on 24 March to raise money for a not-for-profit organisation, were detained for two hours and it is alleged they were subjected to an aggressive tone that was “unnecessary and demeaning”. James Cleverly, the home secretary, confirmed on X that the claims were being investigated by his department, the Home Office. In an open letter posted on X, Marc Levy, the chief executive of the JRC, said: “We unequivocally condemn the fact that Israeli nationals were detained and subjected to abuse by a Border Police officer. The comment upon their release proves beyond any doubt that this individual was motivated by antisemitic intent.”
The JRC claims it has a video of the Border Force officer speaking aggressively to the two men, one of whom is said to be a medic who treated the wounded at the music festival attack, which claimed the lives of 364 people and where 40 hostages were taken. It is alleged the officer is heard saying “keep quiet, look at me, are you clear with that? We are the bosses, not you”. Responding on X, Cleverly said: “We are investigating this. We do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of discrimination. This incident will be handled in line with our disciplinary procedures.” A Home Office spokesperson added: “We are aware of the complaint made against Border Force staff at Manchester airport and are investigating these claims. “While the facts and circumstances are being established, it must be reiterated that we do not tolerate antisemitism, in any forms, anywhere.” Manchester airport said the border is staffed by UK Border Force personnel who are not employees of the airport. It added the airport is in touch with UK Border Force and the Home Office to ensure the “serious” allegations are looked into.