Why we’ll be on the streets on July 4

The Guardian, LBC and then others started to give the neo-Nazis' plans high-profile attention.

Ignoring the neo-Nazis has failed, so we must try a different approach. We can legally cripple their proposed demonstration. There are all sorts of measures that the Metropolitan Police and the council can use. This includes moving the demonstration out of Golders Green, to a day that is not Shabbat, and banning loudspeakers.

If the demonstration goes ahead in its present form it will be because the Met has failed to exercise powers intended for use in precisely this situation. Home Secretary Theresa May has written to the Met Commissioner in support of the conditions we have called for.

CAA are also in direct discussions with the police, although they have told us that they must deal impartially with the Jewish community and the neo-Nazis. This is a staggering position to take.

If we can cripple their demonstration by ensuring that the law is enforced as firmly as is permitted, it will make the neo-Nazi provocateurs pause before trying to demonstrate in other areas.

We must, however, plan for the worst. In response to demand from many in our community we will be facilitating a show of dignified defiance on July 4, showing unity and pride in the face of this provocation.

This is not the battle of Cable Street - it is the Jewish community standing together with friends from across society to show that we are not intimidated, that the neo-Nazis are a tiny group, that society despises them and that they have united us.

Our presence will be less of a counter-demonstration and more of an affirmation of solidarity as we stand as one, Orthodox rabbis alongside secular Jews, alongside non-Jews.

We will show that they are few and we are many. And by our dignity we will highlight the vile nature of their beliefs and the overwhelming civility of ours.