Rabbi Baruch Levin addressing Brent Council, October 6, 2025[Missing Credit]
Critics of the Brent-Nablus twinning argue that it amounts to “political symbolism” and point out that Nablus is home to a number of militant groups, including Lions’ Den. The UK government currently advises against all but essential travel to Nablus.
Brent Council’s own equalities impact assessment report on the proposal found that it may risk “compounding antisemitism” and may demonstrate “greater support for one group over another”. An online petition earlier this year against the twinning was signed by more than 2,300 people.
But proponents of the move say it will promote “cultural, social, economic and educational exchanges” between the regions, and Councillor Ihtesham Afzal, organiser of the campaign, said it would “raise awareness about what’s happening in Palestine”. The twinning association itself exists to “promote friendship and understanding across communities”.
“How deeply ironic and contradictory,” Levin said in front of councillors, including council leader Muhammed Butt. “The very same association has pressed ahead with its twinning plans, ignoring the Jewish community’s pleas to the contrary, and at a cost of permanent damage to the social cohesion of Brent.”
He also claimed Nablus is “home to multiple terror organisations and movements whose actions stand in direct opposition to the ideals of coexistence, democracy, and humanity that Brent supposedly represents”.
He went on: “Why, I ask myself, is Brent so intent on advancing a gratuitous and nakedly political initiative, even at the expense of disrupting communal harmony and marginalising its Jewish community?
“And why does Brent feel the need to engage in international adventurism when there is so much positive grassroots work to be done locally?”
The council chamber at Brent Civic Centre during the meeting[Missing Credit]
He concluded: “I am sad to say, and I say it with a heavy heart, that you, leadership of Brent council, are complicit in creating an environment in which incitement and hostility against the Jewish community has been allowed to flourish… resulting in the atrocity we witnessed in Manchester.”
He added that he “cannot in good conscious as a Jewish resident of his borough pose for a picture with the leadership of Brent and pretend that all is well”.
That, he said, “would put a lie to my sense of alienation, disenfranchisement and deep disappointment that those elected to represent all residents of this borough, have chosen to ignore the pain and distress of the Jewish community”.
Responding to the JC’s request for comment, leader of Brent Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt, said the twinning is “about promoting peace and mutual understanding” and “does not endorse any ideology”.
He continued: “I recognise that feelings run deep on this issue, and while there are many views, it is my understanding that the proposal brought by the Twinning-Association has always been rooted in dialogue and cultural exchange — to show that what unites us is far greater than that which divides us. The Council will continue to listen and engage with all communities as the proposals develop and we have asked the Brent–Nablus Twinning Association to ensure their activities reflect Brent’s values, and as set out in our International Partnering Protocol.
“This week, Brent came together in solidarity with the Jewish community after the heinous antisemitic terror attack in Manchester. I utterly condemn this deplorable act and the hatred behind it, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. Inciting hatred is the antithesis of why we came together — to stand united against antisemitism, and to reaffirm that Brent is a place where prejudice has no home.”
