The UK establishment’s Jewish lobby erupted in outrage over the weekend after Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli extended an invitation to British activist Tommy Robinson to visit Israel.
Robinson indicated that he plans to make his pilgrimage to the Holy Land following his courtroom battle on October 13th, where he seeks to thwart another “corrupt” legal challenge aimed at his activism.
“In the wake of the horrific Manchester terrorist attack, Israel and the Jewish people stand firmly with our allies in the United Kingdom.”
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I am proud to host British patriot @TRobinsonNewEra, who will visit Israel in mid-October.”
— Amichai Chikli (@AmichaiChikli) October 3, 2025
In his announcement on social media platform X, Diaspora Minister Chikli expressed, “In light of the tragic Manchester attack, Israel supports our allies in the UK. I’m honored to welcome @TRobinsonNewEra to Israel this October.”
Chikli went on to laud Robinson as a “courageous leader” fighting against radical Islam. He emphasized the necessity of forging relationships with allies willing to confront rising antisemitism, asserting that Robinson has proven to be a steadfast ally of Israel, unafraid to voice uncomfortable truths and confront hate. “Israel will always champion solidarity, combat terror, and uphold our shared Western values,” he concluded.
“I’ve just started drafting my response to this generous invitation,”
“I confirm that right after my trial on October 13th, I will be traveling to Israel. The horrific Manchester attack has strengthened my belief that the UK and Israel share the same fight.”
— Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) October 3, 2025
Robinson, whose original name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, affirmed his plans to go to Israel contingent on the outcome of his legal proceedings, stating, “The dreadful Manchester attack reinforced my conviction that the UK and Israel are engaged in a mutual struggle against the threat of jihad.”
“Since we made our stance clear in Central London with a massive turnout of 3 million supporters,”
“the fabrications and vitriol against us have intensified, but thanks to platforms like Elon Musk’s, we now have a way to convey our own narratives instead of settling for a one-sided story.”
— Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 23, 2025
Since founding the English Defence League in 2009, Robinson has been vocal against radical jihadist ideologies. His efforts have not come without a personal cost; he has faced numerous legal troubles from the British government for charges that critics have labeled as politically motivated.
On September 13, he led a demonstration in London that drew over a million participants to protest against illegal immigration, which included a tribute to the late American figure Charlie Kirk.
“Tommy Robinson’s speech was pivotal for Europe!”
“We will never be the same again.”
— Naomi Seibt (@SeibtNaomi) September 13, 2025
However, Robinson has been depicted by the UK’s mainstream media as a “far-right hooligan,” leading influential conservatives like Nigel Farage to distance themselves from him. The underlying irony is that, had a posh Brit to choose between siding with Robinson or with Pakistani sex gangs, they’d likely opt for the latter.
Across the pond, many Americans, unfamiliar with the UK’s intricate class dynamics, are siding with Robinson. Elon Musk has already contributed to Robinson’s legal expenses, and now the Israeli government is presenting its support.
In a response that echoed the sentiments of the Jewish Leadership Council, the establishment figures expressed alarm:
“Tommy Robinson is a thug who embodies the worst of Britain. His involvement deters genuine efforts to combat Islamist extremism and promote community unity. Minister Chikli appears to have forsaken his responsibilities as a Diaspora Minister.”
— Jewish Leadership Council (@JLC_uk) October 4, 2025
They claimed Robinson’s notoriety undermines vital work against extremist views and lamented Chikli’s alignment with someone they believe runs counter to the interests of British Jews. Chikli rebutted this by suggesting that the Board of Deputies has drifted into a strictly political apparatus, aligning with left-leaning, pro-Palestinian ideologies. “In our most challenging times, they should be prioritizing community safety over headline-grabbing gestures,” he remarked.
This exchange highlights an ongoing contentious debate in the UK reminiscent of the ideological rift in the United States between the populist MAGA supporters and critics of Israel, suggesting that the conflict transcends mere religious divisions; it represents a clash between elite globalists and grassroots patriots.
Robinson and his supporters believe that while some elite advocacy groups vilify Robinson, they simultaneously support mass immigration policies that threaten the stability of Europe and jeopardize the safety of both Jewish and Christian communities. In contrast, patriot figures like Robinson, Donald Trump, and Amichai Chikli represent a unifying force determined to counter these challenges.
“I am proud to advocate for Israel,” stated Tommy Robinson in an exclusive interview.
— Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) October 5, 2025
In his address, Robinson underscored that he is not being swayed by financial incentives and characterized his trip as a gesture of partnership centered on courage and truth. He declared his identity as both a British patriot and a Zionist, asserting that every nation deserves its homeland, just as the Jewish people do.
Robinson’s upcoming itinerary includes significant sites in Israel, intended to deepen his understanding of shared histories and cultures, including essential places of Christian heritage. He plans to visit Yad Vashem and meet with various Israeli government officials, including Chikli.
Robinson remarked, “When Jews come under attack, it signals an assault on freedom globally. The shared adversity faced by British and Israeli peoples calls for solidarity. We stand against a common adversary and must act as allies.”
As a fitting follow-up, one might imagine that former President Donald Trump could extend a warm invitation to Robinson and his family for the holiday season—after all, they have certainly faced a storm of challenges!
“When speaking the truth becomes an act of rebellion.”
“It’s curious how while many politicians cave to opposition, it takes American voices like @charliekirk11 to defend a British man maligned by the system.”
— Vicky Richter (@VickyRichterUSA) October 5, 2025