People Protest.

Manchester's community conflict in the wake of continuing conflict in Gaza.

England.
Photography & text by Gary Roberts.

Manchester, a city renowned for its diversity and cultural richness, has found itself embroiled in a conflict not of its making but deeply affecting its communities. The recent war in Gaza has reverberated across oceans, stirring tensions and divisions within Manchester's own populace. This vibrant metropolis contains a complex tapestry of ethnicities and religions, including significant Palestinian and Jewish communities whose histories intertwine with the city's own. As the conflict erupt erupted in Gaza, since October the 7th 2023, it has ignited protests across cities worldwide including Manchester. The once cohesive forces that bound Mancunians together have fractured with communities divided both by ethnic and religious lines and also across families and friends who hold differing views.

The Palestinian community in Manchester traces its roots to various waves of migration, driven primarily by political unrest and economic hardship in the Middle East. Following the Nakba in 1948, many Palestinians were forced to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries and beyond. Manchester, with its industrial opportunities and established diaspora networks, became a haven for many displaced Palestinians. Over the decades, this community has grown, contributing to the city's cultural fabric while maintaining strong ties to their homeland and the struggle for self-determination.

However, despite their contributions to Manchester's diversity, Palestinians have always faced challenges with integrating fully into the social and economic fabric of the city. Discrimination, limited access to resources, and political marginalisation have hindered their ability to thrive. The recent escalation of conflict in Gaza has only exacerbated these challenges, amplifying tensions within the Palestinian community and deepening their sense of alienation. As Manchester grapples with the fallout from the events thousands of miles away, it must confront the structural injustices that perpetuate inequality and exclusion within its own boundaries.

Similarly, Manchester has been home to a vibrant Jewish community for centuries, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution and pogroms in Eastern Europe sought sanctuary in Manchester, drawn by its booming textile industry and the promise of a better life. Over time, the Jewish community prospered, establishing synagogues, schools, and businesses, leaving an indelible mark on the city's identity. However, their history in Manchester has also been marked by incidents of discrimination and anti-Semitism, highlighting the complexities of inter-community relations.
The Jewish community, like their Palestinian counterparts, has been deeply affected by the conflict in Gaza. While many Manchester Jews feel a strong connection to Israel and support its right to exist, they also grapple with the moral implications of its actions in the occupied territories.

The conflation of Jewish identity with Israeli policies has led to instances of anti -Semitic backlash, further complicating efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. As Manchester strives to foster unity and understanding, it must confront the complexities of Jewish identity and create space for nuanced dialogue and engagement. The recent escalation of conflict in Gaza has reignited long-standing, but previously muted, tensions between Manchester's Palestinian and Jewish communities.
As images of violence and suffering flood the media, emotions run high, deepening divides and exacerbating distrust. Street protests in the city have taken place every week since the horrors of October the 7th and the relentless killings in Gaza since then. With each side passionately advocating for their cause, often at the expense of mutual understanding. Social media has become a battleground, amplifying voices of anger and resentment while stifling opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation. These predominantly pro-Palestinian demonstrations, documented in these photographs, have been attended by Jewish groups and individuals who condemn the actions of the Israeli forces, as well as counter protesters who support Israel’s actions.

Photos above and below: Flags & crowds along Oxford Rd. Palestinian protest, Manchester. Police liaison officer orders protesters not to approach Israel protest. The Palestinian demonstrators were blocked by those from the pro-Israel group.

Protests against the rise in antisemitism exacerbated by the conflict have also taken part in the city and have been included in this reportage. Recent changes in UK legislation on demonstrations have added additional difficulties in policing protests related to the conflict in Gaza. The balance between upholding the right to peaceful protest and preventing the disruption of public order has become increasingly delicate. Policing demonstrations requires a nuanced approach that respects the fundamental right to freedom of expression while also ensuring public safety and minimising the risk of violence. However, navigating these challenges is made more complex by the polarised nature of the conflict, with protesters often unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue and law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain impartiality.

Photo above: One of many angry protestors, Manchester.

In the midst of this turmoil, Johan Galtung's theory of transformative peace offers a beacon of hope. Galtung argues that true peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of conflict rather than merely suppressing its symptoms. This requires a multidimensional approach, encompassing structural, cultural, and personal transformation. In the context of Manchester's community conflict, Galtung's framework provides a roadmap for navigating complex intergroup dynamics and fostering sustainable peace. At the time of writing and having attended, as a photojournalist, over twenty of the protests in Manchester, to date, with the slaughter continuing in Gaza, the starting point of any resolution let alone reconciliation seems a long way off.

At a structural level in the conflict area, addressing inequalities and injustices is paramount to building lasting peace. In the case of Manchester’s communities, this will also involve acknowledging historical grievances and working towards equitable solutions that address the root causes of the community conflict. Economic disparities, access to resources, and political representation must be addressed to ensure that all those involved have a stake in the city's future, but this will only follow a ceasefire and resolution within Israel. Protests against the occupations, expulsions and commemoration of the Nakba as well as against antisemitism took place in Manchester long before October the 7th 2023. Despite the challenges ahead, Manchester has the potential to emerge as a beacon of hope for conflict resolution and peace building with its own experiences of loss through the bombings of 1996 and 2017. The City’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions provides a fertile ground for fostering understanding and cooperation.

The horrors of the conflict in Gaza has cast a shadow over Manchester as with many cities and communities worldwide, testing the bonds of solidarity and unity that once defined diverse diaspora communities. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there lies an opportunity for transformation and renewal. Manchester can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. As the city navigates the complexities of its community conflict ignited by the ongoing war and horrendous loss of lives in Gaza, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to building a future founded on justice, empathy, and mutual respect. The alternative route of polarised global escalation of violence, built on division, will only lead to further loss of life and in depth entrenched views which will divide communities for generations to come.

Photo above: Passions run deep as some ask if this really is the end.

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