Bristol counter-protesters force Pro-Palestine activists to abandon door-to-door boycott of Israeli products outside Sainsbury’s supermarket

A routine Saturday morning in Bristol took an unexpected turn when activists planning a door-to-door campaign to encourage locals to boycott Israeli products were confronted by counter-protesters, forcing them to retreat into a nearby pub.

The confrontation unfolded outside a Sainsbury’s, drawing a mix of supporters, critics, and curious onlookers.

The activists, affiliated with the Bristol Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) campaign, said they were seeking to raise awareness of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

But the event quickly escalated as more than a dozen counter-protesters appeared, shouting accusations that the group was engaging in a “Jew hunt.”

Clashing Chants and Rising Tempers

Footage from the scene shows both sides waving flags and chanting slogans.

AFZ supporters carried signs and chanted “Palestine will be free,” “Israel is a terror state,” and “Occupation no more.”

Meanwhile, counter-protesters responded with chants of “stop the Jew hunt,” calling the AFZ campaigners “Nazis” and gathering outside the pub where the activists eventually took shelter.

The presence of police helped prevent physical clashes, but witnesses said tensions were high.

Passersby described a chaotic scene of shouting, placards, and heated arguments, with little attempt at calm discussion.

Voices from Both Sides

Susan, who asked that her surname not be published, shared her personal connection to the events.

“I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor,” she told the Daily Mail.

“I am very worried about Left-wing and Islamic organizations dedicated to Jew hunts.

I feel a duty to be here so that haters know people don’t have the support of the general public.”

Similarly, resident Sally Campbell, whose mother was a Jewish refugee, described feeling intimidated by the prospect of door-to-door activism.

“I wouldn’t want someone knocking on my door. I can choose what and where I buy from,” she said.

Mark Birbeck, founder of the group ‘Our Fight,’ criticized the AFZ’s door-knocking as a form of harassment.

“People are organizing activities where they knock on doors of local residents and ask where they stand on Israel and Gaza. This is not just collecting opinions—it’s a purity test,” he said.

Birbeck cited incidents in Bondi Beach and Manchester as evidence of a growing antisemitism trend and shared that he himself had been spat on and physically attacked.

Supporters Defend Their Actions

AFZ members defended their campaign as a solidarity effort for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.

They likened their approach to the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa, which targeted businesses supporting the apartheid regime.

Law student Leo Hill clarified his personal view: “It’s not hateful, it’s not anti-Jewish, it’s not even anti-Israel. It’s just about standing against genocide and apartheid.”

Another pro-Palestine supporter, Ryan, emphasized the distinction between the Israeli state and Jewish people globally, acknowledging historical fears of antisemitism while advocating for separating criticism of government actions from targeting individuals.

Heated Encounters and Public Reactions

The confrontation escalated further when a counter-protester approached AFZ members, shouting expletives and questioning their use of Israeli technology in phones.

Police intervened to de-escalate the situation. Observers expressed frustration at the lack of constructive dialogue.

Jasmine Frank, who came to learn about the conflict, said, “People are shouting and I don’t know how this is supposed to help peace.”

Alison Wren, a retired science teacher, spoke out against door-to-door harassment despite not being Jewish herself.

“It’s just ridiculous, knocking on people’s doors and writing down whether they agree to boycott Israel,” she said.

The Broader Context

This incident is part of a broader pattern of rising tensions in public discourse over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Activist campaigns supporting Palestinian rights have increased in cities across the UK, while Jewish advocacy groups warn that some tactics may unintentionally stoke fear or antisemitism.

The AFZ campaign maintains that boycotts target companies that “thrive on international support” for policies they consider oppressive, but critics argue that confrontational door-knocking risks alienating potential supporters and frightening Jewish residents.

What’s Next?

Local authorities and community leaders are likely to review both the AFZ’s tactics and public safety measures in Bristol.

Mediation efforts between pro-Palestine groups and Jewish advocacy organizations could become a priority, especially to prevent future confrontations on residential streets.

Public debates over ethical activism, freedom of speech, and community safety are expected to continue, highlighting the challenges of discussing global conflicts in local neighborhoods.

Summary

Activists from Bristol’s AFZ campaign attempting a door-to-door boycott of Israeli products were forced to retreat into a pub after counter-protesters accused them of conducting a “Jew hunt.”

Clashes included chants, placards, and tense interactions, with police present to maintain order.

Supporters framed their actions as solidarity with Palestinians, while critics argued the tactics could encourage antisemitism or intimidate residents.

Voices from both sides highlighted personal and historical connections to the issue, underscoring the complexity of activism in sensitive conflicts.