How British Jewry Has Been Abandoned by the Left and Embraced by the Right

In the years leading up to and during World War II, the British left stood as a critical lifeline for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution. Leftist movements, trade unions, and progressive politicians such as Clement Atlee and Eleanor Rathbone championed the cause of the oppressed, offering sanctuary and solidarity to a people facing unimaginable horror. Jews were seen through the lens of victimhood – weak, vulnerable, and in desperate need of protection. The left understood this and responded with compassion.

The British right, on the other hand, were more hostile. Their worldview was shaped by nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and deep-seated antisemitic stereotypes. Jews were seen as outsiders, both an economic threat, and even, in some conspiratorial circles, as manipulators on a global scale. Right-wing politicians like Neville Chamberlain imposed strict immigration controls on Jewish refugees and was criticised for his policy of appeasement towards Hitler. In this political climate, the left was the natural ally for British Jewry, while the right was a space to be navigated with caution.

Left and Right Defined

When discussing the terms “Right” and “Left” in this context, it is crucial for me to first clarify that I am referring NOT to their economic dimensions – such as state control vs free market – but rather to their cultural and social values. Historically, these two axes have not always aligned neatly. Examples such as Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini or even Oswald Mosley, all economically left or far-left leaders, advocated for state-driven antisemitism, demonstrating socially and culturally right-wing authoritarian prejudices.

I should also add that this article is generally referring to mainstream left and right political movements, not their extreme fringes. Once we move into the realms of far-right fascism and far-left communism, the political spectrum begins to resemble a horseshoe, where the two extremes, despite their apparent ideological opposition, start to share striking similarities in their methods and outcomes. Both extremes tend towards authoritarianism, suppression of dissent and a willingness to scapegoat minorities, especially Jews, as a means of consolidating power (for example Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union). Therefore, my focus here is on the mainstream right and left, where distinctions in social, cultural and political attitudes towards Jewish communities are clearer and more relevant to today’s discussion.

The Shifting Political Landscape

Fast forwarding to the present day, the political map has shifted dramatically. The left, once the defender of Jewish rights and freedoms, now seems to appear openly hostile to Jewish concerns. The rise of antisemitic rhetoric within mainstream progressive movements, the Labour Party’s antisemitism scandal under Jeremy Corbyn, and the wider left’s alignment with anti-Israel narratives have created an environment where many Jews no longer feel welcome.

The left’s unwavering focus on other marginalised groups, particularly the Muslim community, has contributed to this alienation. In the eyes of many on the left, Jews are no longer seen as an oppressed minority but rather as an affluent, powerful, and even privileged community. The success and integration of British Jews into society – a hard-won achievement – has ironically made them a target of leftist suspicion. Where once Jews were viewed as victims of capitalist systems, they are now often painted as beneficiaries or even architects of these same systems.

Meanwhile, the British right has undergone its own transformation. Once distrustful of Jewish people, the modern conservative movement now frequently views Jews as cultural and political allies. Jewish success in business, academia, and public life is admired. They see Jewish resilience, strong family values, and a deep sense of cultural identity as traits to be respected and even emulated. Furthermore, shared concerns over Islamist extremism and the need for a combined defence of Western democratic values have created new bonds between Jews and the political right.

As William Rubinstein noted already in his 1982 book, The Left, the Right and the Jews, “Since 1945… the formerly depressed eastern European migrants have moved as a whole into the upper-middle class and into the elites of most western nations… The general rise of Western Jewry to elite status has resulted in a realignment of the allies and enemies of the Jews, with the traditional ‘right’ and ‘left’ changing places in regard for Jews and their interests.”

But this embrace comes with its own complications. The right’s admiration is often rooted in a worldview that celebrates strength, success, and self-reliance whilst dismissing or even vilifying the vulnerable and oppressed. Historically though, Jews have been – and in many ways still are – simultaneously strong but also vulnerable. Our religion at its core, emphasises compassion, charity and kindness towards all. Is it therefore possible for British Jews truly align themselves with a political philosophy that may lack empathy for those who suffer injustice or live in marginalisation?

Israel, Gaza, and the Modern Dilemma

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has only deepened this political quandary. On the left, fierce criticism of Israel has often tipped into outright antisemitism. Whilst Jews mourn the loss of innocent lives on all sides, there is a noticeable lack of sympathy from much of the progressive left when Jewish civilians are killed or when Israeli hostages – men, women, and children – are still held after being kidnapped by Hamas. Protests erupt in cities across the world calling for ceasefires, but rarely for the release of hostages or an end to attacks on Jewish communities globally.

The right, conversely, has positioned itself as a staunch defender of Israel, often framing the conflict as part of a broader clash of civilisations. However, is this support transactional, rooted more in geopolitical strategy rather than genuine concern for Jewish lives or well-being?

This leaves British Jews in an uncomfortable position: do they stand with the right, who support Israel but whose values may not 100% align with Jewish social ethics of caring for the oppressed? Or do they continue to identify with the left, despite being pushed to the margins, treated with suspicion and even outright hostility?

A Question of Identity

Bringing this together presents a fundamental question about the political identity for many British Jews. Historically, Jews have leaned left – driven by a commitment to social justice, equality, and a collective memory of vulnerability – but as the left grows colder towards Jewish concerns and the right extends a hand, albeit conditionally, where would I suggest that community members turn?

In post-war UK, Labour enjoyed strong Jewish support, with most British Jews voting for the party in the 1945 election. However, recent decades have seen a significant shift. In the 2019 UK general election, 61% of Jewish voters supported the Conservative Party, whilst Labour’s share plummeted to just 11%, largely due to antisemitism scandals*. A similar shift has been seen in US politics, with Republicans winning the trust of more and more Jewish voters each election cycle. This transformation underscores a growing realignment, driven by concerns over antisemitism on the left and support for Israel on the right.

At the same time, Jews have not forgotten the dark shadow cast by far-right extremism in Europe during the last century. From the horrors of fascist regimes and even the menacing rise of Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists still in living memory, history serves as a stark reminder that right-wing alliances can be fragile and, at their worst, deeply dangerous.

Is it possible for Jews to carve out a unique political space – one that refuses to be forced into binary allegiances? Can British Jews demand accountability from the left whilst maintaining their historic commitments to justice and equality? Can they accept the right’s support for Israel without compromising their values on other social issues?

As the political winds continue to shift, British Jewry must grapple with these questions, aware that history offers both warnings and lessons. For now, one thing remains clear: in an era of growing polarisation, British Jews must continue to define their identity on their own terms, rather than allowing others to define it for them.

Note: Opinions shared in articles are not necessarily representative of The Jewish Stand