Double Standards on Antisemitism Exposed in UK Media and Politics 2026

The fight against antisemitism demands zero tolerance, yet recent events in the UK reveal a troubling double standard. While left-wing figures like Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski face intense scrutiny for failing to root out antisemitism, right-wing figures such as Nigel Farage receive invitations to major anti-racism rallies. This inconsistency undermines the credibility of the movement and raises urgent questions about media accountability and political bias.

The Rally Controversy: Farage In, Polanski Out

At a crucial rally against antisemitism in London, Zack Polanski, the Jewish leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, was not invited to speak. Organizers claimed he had not done enough to address antisemitism within his own party. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, was invited because his party had “expressed very broad support for the fight against antisemitism.”

More than 2,000 Jewish individuals signed a petition arguing that Farage’s invitation “fundamentally undermines” the message of solidarity for Jewish safety and dignity. The petition reflects a growing frustration that antisemitism on the right is often downplayed or ignored by mainstream media and political institutions.

Antisemitism on the Left: A Real but Selective Focus

Antisemitism is undeniably a problem on the left. Two Green Party council candidates were arrested on suspicion of stirring up racial hatred. Labour Party research uncovered offensive remarks by 25 Green candidates in recent local elections. While 25 out of 4,500 candidates is a small fraction, every instance is unacceptable.

Polanski’s own response to a surge in antisemitic attacks, including arson on synagogues and Hatzola ambulances, was criticized as dismissive. He said, “There’s a conversation to be had about whether it’s a perception of unsafety or whether it’s actual unsafety, but neither are acceptable.” Many Jewish leaders found this equivocation deeply troubling given the severity of the attacks.

Antisemitism on the Right: A Media Blind Spot

While left-wing antisemitism is aggressively investigated, right-wing media outlets have published antisemitic caricatures of Zack Polanski with little to no accountability. Leading conservative newspapers—including The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and The Sun—ran cartoons that many experts say echo the hateful imagery of Der Stürmer, the Nazi propaganda newspaper.

• The Times depicted Polanski with a hooked nose, jug ears, receding chin, thick lips, and baggy eyes—features he does not possess.
• The Telegraph similarly exaggerated his nose.
• The Daily Mail showed him with an enormous, grotesquely shaped nose.
• The Sun turned him into a slimy green monster with red eyes, a bulbous nose, thick lips, and a forked tongue—directly echoing Nazi-era Jewish stereotypes.

None of these newspapers have issued an apology. The Times only acknowledged the controversy by publishing a column attacking Polanski for complaining about the cartoon, claiming that “caricature is an accepted part of political commentary.” This response has been widely condemned as tone-deaf and hypocritical.

Why the Double Standard Persists

The selective outrage stems from a long-standing political dynamic. Left-wing antisemitism is easier to weaponize against political opponents, while right-wing antisemitism is often dismissed as satire or isolated incidents. Media outlets with conservative leanings are reluctant to self-criticize, and political parties on the right avoid accountability by framing criticism as a “witch hunt.”

According to the Community Security Trust (CST), antisemitic incidents in the UK reached record levels in 2024, with violent attacks and arson against Jewish institutions rising sharply. The CST has consistently called for a unified, non-partisan response to all forms of Jew-hatred, regardless of the perpetrator’s political affiliation.

What Needs to Change

To truly combat antisemitism, the media and political leaders must apply consistent standards. Here are key steps:

Zero tolerance must apply equally to the left and the right. As the rally petition signatories made clear, “Never again” means never for anyone—not just for political convenience.

FAQ

Why was Zack Polanski not invited to speak at the antisemitism rally?

Organizers stated that Polanski had not done enough to address antisemitism within the Green Party. Despite his Jewish identity, they felt his leadership fell short in rooting out hateful rhetoric from party candidates.

Why was Nigel Farage invited to the same rally?

Organizers claimed that Reform UK, Farage’s party, had “expressed very broad support for the fight against antisemitism.” However, critics argue that Farage has a history of controversial statements about Islam and immigration that fuel division, and that his invitation was inconsistent with the rally’s message of unity.

What specific antisemitic imagery appeared in UK newspapers?

Several right-wing newspapers published caricatures of Polanski with exaggerated Jewish stereotypes, including a hooked nose, thick lips, and a forked tongue. These images closely resemble Nazi propaganda from Der Stürmer. No apologies have been issued by the publications involved.