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Half-Mast Flags Cannot Mask Half-Measures

by Ram ben Ze’ev


Half-Mast Flags Cannot Mask Half-Measures
Half-Mast Flags Cannot Mask Half-Measures

The government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast following the horrific attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom HaKipurim. To many, this may appear a gesture of solidarity, a mark of mourning, a recognition of loss. But to Britain’s Jewish community, it feels like what it is: too little, too late.



For years, Jewish voices have warned of the growing dangers of antisemitism in this country—warnings met with platitudes, empty assurances, and carefully worded condemnations. Policies that might have addressed the threat have been avoided. Tough decisions that might have protected lives have been delayed. And now, after Jewish blood has once again been spilled, the government lowers the flags.


But Jews do not mourn with flags at half-mast. That is not our language of grief. Our mourning is expressed in תפלה (tefillah – prayer), in קדיש (Kaddish – sanctification of G-D’s Name), in צדקה (tzedakah – righteousness and charity), and in community. A lowered flag does not speak to Jewish loss, nor does it comfort Jewish families. It is a gesture that belongs to others, to the Nations, but not to us.



Symbolism has its place, but it cannot replace responsibility. A gesture is not protection, and half-masting flags cannot mask half-measures. We do not need ceremonial sorrow after the fact. We need genuine resolve before it.


When churches are attacked, when other communities are targeted, there is no hesitation in declaring absolute outrage and deploying every resource to ensure such horror does not repeat. But for Jews, we are too often met with formal statements, symbolic mourning, and then a return to silence until the next tragedy.


Britain’s Jews do not ask for favours. We ask for equality under the law, safety in our synagogues, and the same level of seriousness afforded to others. Flags at half-mast may satisfy the conscience of politicians, but they do nothing to secure the lives of those who walk through synagogue doors each week, wondering if their prayers will be interrupted by violence.


The lesson should be clear: empty rituals after tragedy will not protect a single Jewish life. Only policy, action, and the political will to confront hatred without compromise will. Anything less is a betrayal.



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