Patrols around Birmingham’s synagogues – far away from the football stadium – have been increased amid fears that tensions linked to the match could spill out of the match.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We have 50 officers carrying out community patrols across the city. This includes visits to synagogues and mosques but also Villa Park and around the city centre.”
One local Jewish man who wished to remain anonymous said the community felt “targeted and worried” by the need for such a heavy police presence.
“We shouldn't have to be protected by the police for just going about our daily business [...] This is not the Birmingham that we know and love.”
Referring to attempts by the Jewish community to attend the game as Maccabi fans, the resident went on: “Many members of the Birmingham community wanted to attend the Maccabi match today. The police have stopped us from doing so. Instead, they have sided with the mobs who openly call for Jews to be excluded from our city.”
Keith Rowe, former president of Birmingham Hebrew Congregation and a former Ukip candidate, said the heavy policing around synagogues showed the ban on Maccabi fans had been misguided.
“The Jews were the victims and not the aggressors,” he said, suggesting that the security operation revealed who was truly at risk.
“The police are obviously realising that the people that are coming to demonstrate may well be antisemitic if they’re having to apply extra policing around the synagogue at the same time as Palestine protesters are coming to Birmingham,” he added.
Rowe, 63, who has lived in the city his whole adult life and is the vice chair of the National Jewish Association (JNA), said tensions in Birmingham were the worst he had ever known.
He would not walk around in Birmingham wearing a yarmulke and said some Jews were considering leaving the city. “There are many people that would like to leave, which is very sad,” he said.
Although the match will take place without any Israeli supporters present, the scale of the policing operation is unprecedented.
West Midlands Police confirmed that more than 700 officers would be deployed around Villa Park today, tasked with “keeping the public safe and arresting anyone who engages in crime or disorder”.
Schools in the vicinity are expected to close early.
Supporters with Palestinian flags take part in anti-Israel demonstration on the sideline of the UEFA Europa League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024. (Image: Getty)ANP/AFP via Getty Images
On Wednesday evening, a video emerged showing a group of masked protesters posting “Zionists not welcome” signs around the city. The group was filmed hoisting Palestinian flags around the stadium area.
A no-fly zone will be in place above Villa Park during the match, which kicks off at 8pm.
Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce said: “People can expect to see a large number of uniformed officers, as well as police horses, police dogs, our drone unit, road policing unit, protest liaison officers and others.
“People not attending the event should expect significant disruption to the roads in the area on the evening, and we’d urge people to avoid the area where possible.
“We are experienced at policing high profile football matches and demonstrations, and for many weeks now, we have been working closely with different faith and local community groups to listen to their views and concerns.
“Our goal throughout planning for this match is to ensure people can enjoy the football fixture while we continue to keep everyone in Birmingham safe, facilitate peaceful protest and maintain the King’s peace.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv, the only Israeli club to reach the league stage of a European competition this season, saw its supporters barred after Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) deemed the match “high risk,” following police advice last month.
The JC previously revealed that some members of the SAG had supported a boycott of Israel.
The ban prompted condemnation across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it the “wrong decision.”
