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Sadiq Khan has apologised after accusing the Chief Rabbi of singling him out for criticism because he is Muslim.
The Mayor of London had suggested in a YouTube interview with broadcaster Mehdi Hasan that he was targeted by Sir Ephraim Mirvis and other members of the Jewish community over his calls for a ceasefire because of his Muslim faith.
Mr Khan had claimed that the Chief Rabbi and Jewish media outlets did not level the same criticism at Andy Burnham when the Mayor of Greater Manchester made a similar plea for a ceasefire.
The Mayor of London suggested the reason for the disparity was because “he’s not called Ahmed Bourani. He’s called Andy Burnham. Whereas I’m called Sadiq Khan”.
He added: “I’d ask those Jewish people to just pause and reflect on their response to me calling for a ceasefire. What motivated them to come out in the way they did against the Mayor of London and [not] the Mayor of Greater Manchester?”
On Friday, he issued an apology, writing on X that “the Chief Rabbi, along with other Jewish leaders, has been a friend to me, and we have worked hard together to unite our city and celebrate our diversity”.
In a statement, the Labour Mayor said that “at times it is clear to me, and others, that as a Mayor of London of Islamic faith, I am held to a different standard and that can be frustrating – particularly during a divisive election campaign.
“But, it wasn’t fair of me to have levelled that frustration at the Chief Rabbi. I am sorry for any hurt this has caused and will continue working with Jewish leaders to build a safer London for everyone.”
The saga comes just days before the local elections next week, and against the backdrop of ongoing protests over the war in Gaza.
Susan Hall, the Tory mayoral candidate hoping to oust Mr Khan next week, told i it was “important we continue to bring communities in our great city together”.
In his interview with Mehdi Hasan, Mr Khan had appeared to be responding to criticism levelled against him by Sir Ephraim in the wake of the 7 October massacre last year.
Writing on X, the Chief Rabbi had said, following a meeting with Mr Khan, that he had told the London Mayor that “a ceasefire now would be an irresponsible stepping stone to yet more Hamas terrorist brutality”.
On Friday, the Prime Minister’s deputy spokesperson declined to comment on the matter when questioned. She said No 10 was hopeful that a major protest against the Israel-Hamas war, planned in London on Saturday, would remain “a safe and welcoming environment for everyone”.
Some prominent Jewish figures have claimed parts of central London have been a no-go area at weekends following seven months of pro-Palestine protests.
Protest organisers say the demonstrations have been peaceful and that Jewish people have been among the protesters.
Ahead of the latest march on Saturday, No 10 said it was for the Metropolitan Police to “manage these events”.
The PM’s deputy spokesperson said the Met should “make sure that they are striking the right balance between ensuring that people are safe and can express their democratic views freely, but at the same time, it is also vitally important that London remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone”.
A poll published on Friday suggested Mr Khan’s lead against Tory rival Ms Hall has slipped as he seeks a third term as London Mayor in the elections on 2 May.
With just one week to go until polling day, a Savanta survey for the Evening Standard put support for the Labour Mayor at 46 per cent, with his Tory challenger on 33 per cent.
The 13-point lead for Mr Khan marks his smallest since the candidates’ campaigns were launched, and suggests that while he is still on course for victory, next week’s results could be closer than anticipated.
Sir Ephraim has been contacted for comment.
