British activist Tommy Robinson visited Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust museum for the first time on Monday, expressing newfound understanding of antisemitic history and the importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews. In a social media post, he highlighted the role of propaganda in the lead-up to the Holocaust and warned against rising antisemitic rhetoric online. The trip follows an invitation from Israeli officials amid shared concerns over extremism.
Tommy Robinson, a British figure known for his opposition to radical Islam and support for Israel, toured Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, on Monday. In a video posted to X on October 21, 2025, he described the experience as eye-opening, detailing the horrors inflicted on Jewish people and the propaganda that preceded them.
“Yesterday I visited the Holocaust museum in Israel,” Robinson said. “It was the first time for me. To go into detail, to hear in detail, to understand, actually, the depravity of the crimes that were committed against the Jewish people. And not just depravity, but what built up to it.”
He reflected on gaining insight into why words matter deeply to the Jewish community. “I understood a lot more why words are so important to the members of the Jewish community,” he continued. “I’ll be honest, sometimes over the years when words had been said, even innocently, I’ve seen a massive backlash and a huge deal made out of these antisemitic tropes or allegations of antisemitic tropes. I never quite understood it. After visiting that museum and understanding that Jews didn’t just get murdered to start with, there was a big build-up of propaganda to do with antisemitic tropes.”
Robinson emphasized the emotional weight carried by Jews worldwide. “It made me understand a lot more why there’s so much fear,” he stated, noting that while it was his first encounter with this history, “every single British Jew, every Jew around the world understands the full horrors of what their people and their race went through.”
He concluded by underscoring Israel's significance: “So, really you understand why this homeland, this country, why this place of safety is so important to them and also why they must fight and never stop fighting because of what history has done to them.”
The visit stems from an invitation extended earlier this month by Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, who praised Robinson as a “courageous leader” against radical Islam following the Manchester terrorist attack. Chikli wrote on X: “In the wake of the horrific Manchester terrorist attack, Israel and the Jewish people stand firmly with our allies in the United Kingdom. Tommy is a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam… He has proven himself a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Robinson accepted, framing the trip as driven by shared values. “The horrific Manchester attack has strengthened my conviction that the United Kingdom and Israel are fighting the same battle—against the scourge of Islamic jihad,” he posted. “Their fight is our fight. I’m a proud British patriot and a Zionist.”
Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana also welcomed him, stating: “Looking forward to hosting you at the Knesset mate! You’re doing a great service to your country, but more than that. As I have said repeatedly since Oct 7, far from being a local struggle — this is a global battle, between the forces of radicalism, extremism and fundamentalism, and those of freedom, liberty and democracy. Western civilization is under attack — and it’s our duty to stand firmly together — and win. See you in Jerusalem!”