Prince Harry is once again facing criticism over antisemitism following his remarks on the growing hostility against Jewish communities in Britain. This comes over twenty years after his controversial Nazi uniform incident, which drew global attention.
RadarOnline.com reveals that Harry, 41, addressed the “deeply troubling” rise in antisemitic violence in a magazine article, emphasizing that staying silent in the face of hatred enables extremism to prosper.
The Duke of Sussex acknowledged his own “past mistakes” in the article, seemingly referring to the 2005 incident where he was photographed at 20 wearing a Nazi costume to a party. This incident caused international uproar and remains a significant blemish on his public image.
Harry’s comments come amid growing tensions in Britain linked to conflict in the Middle East, with a marked increase in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents.
According to a source familiar with the reaction to the article, Harry’s statements have reignited discussions about whether he can ever fully distance himself from the Nazi costume scandal.
The source stated, “For many, Harry’s voice on antisemitism immediately recalls those images of him in a Nazi costume. Despite it being years ago and his repeated apologies, critics see a disparity between his past actions and his efforts to present himself as a moral authority on hate and extremism issues.”
Another source remarked: “Some believe Harry is well-positioned to discuss antisemitism because he has personally experienced the fallout from ignorance and offensive actions. However, others feel this may reopen old wounds, as the Nazi uniform incident significantly shaped public perception of him.”
In the article, Harry criticized attacks on Jewish communities in London and Manchester, distinguishing between political protest and hostility against entire religions or ethnic groups.
He wrote: “Nothing, whether it’s government criticism or violence and destruction, can justify hostility towards an entire people or faith.”
Harry cautioned against collective blame while discussing the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, insisting that criticism should focus on governments and institutions, not entire communities.
“We cannot ignore the reality that when states act without accountability, raising serious questions under international humanitarian law, such criticism is both legitimate and necessary in any democracy,” he explained. “The consequences are not confined by borders and can shape perceptions and inflame tensions.”
Despite repeatedly mentioning “the state” in the article, Harry did not explicitly name Israel.
He addressed the polarized atmosphere in public debates on the conflict, noting, “We have observed that legitimate protests against state actions in the Middle East exist alongside hostility toward Jewish communities at home – as well as how criticism can be easily dismissed or misinterpreted.”
Harry contended that public discourse and media commentary often lack nuance, warning that oversimplified narratives exacerbate social divisions.
He emphasized that protests against violence are both “human and necessary,” while stressing that anger should never target entire religious or ethnic groups.
The duke concluded with a call for unity against hatred directed at both Jewish and Muslim communities.
He stated: “When anger is directed at communities – whether Jewish, Muslim, or any other – it stops being a quest for justice and becomes something more harmful.”
Harry’s comments coincided with his brother, Prince William, 44, addressing rising antisemitism concerns during an investiture ceremony this week.
Holocaust educator Bea Lewkowicz, the daughter of Holocaust survivors and a newly appointed OBE recipient, later shared that William highlighted the importance of “preserving the truth” amid the rapid spread of Holocaust distortion and antisemitic rhetoric online.
