The Trump administration is reportedly exploring the possibility of offering asylum to British Jews, as concerns over safety increase in the United Kingdom. According to The Telegraph, Robert Garson, a personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, has engaged in discussions with the State Department regarding potential refuge for Jews facing rising anti-Semitism in the UK.
Garson, who was born in Manchester, expressed his belief that the UK is “no longer a safe place for Jews.” He cited recent incidents, including the Islamist attack on a Manchester synagogue and the surge of anti-Semitic sentiments following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, as significant factors contributing to his perspective. In an interview, Garson articulated that there may be “no future” for Jews in the UK, placing much of the blame on current leadership, particularly on Sir Keir Starmer, for allowing anti-Semitism to proliferate.
In his capacity as a board member of the US Holocaust Memorial Council, Garson has discussed the possibility of the US serving as a sanctuary for British Jews with the administration’s anti-Semitism envoy, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun. His involvement on the council began after Trump appointed him last May, following the dismissal of board members appointed by President Joe Biden.
Garson, a former barrister who moved to the US in 2008, emphasized the advantages of offering asylum to British Jews. He noted that this community is “highly educated” and predominantly English-speaking, not to mention possessing a low crime rate. He stated, “It is certainly not an unattractive proposition,” highlighting the potential benefits of welcoming this demographic to the United States.
The attorney also criticized the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service, claiming it has failed to act against anti-Semitic protests, particularly those that glorified violence against Jews. He expressed concern over the “lack of political will” to enforce existing laws, such as the Public Order Act, against demonstrators who promote anti-Israel sentiments.
Garson was particularly harsh in his criticism of Starmer, stating, “Keir Starmer has turned a total blind eye to anti-Semitism.” He expressed alarm over the mainstreaming of anti-Semitic rhetoric, warning that unchecked fundamentalism could lead to broader societal issues. He cautioned, “Mark my words, they are coming for the Jews and then they are coming for your pubs,” suggesting a future with “sharia-compliant areas” in Britain.
His assertions raise complex questions about the future of Jewish communities in the UK and the role of political leadership in addressing anti-Semitism. Garson’s remarks reflect a growing concern among some Jewish leaders regarding safety and acceptance in a changing socio-political landscape, particularly in the aftermath of escalating violence and division.
Overall, the discussions surrounding potential asylum for British Jews underline significant issues of safety, identity, and the complexities of international refuge policies in the face of rising anti-Semitism. As these conversations develop, they may influence both domestic and international responses to the plight of vulnerable communities.
