Moment rabbi standing as Tory party candidate is 'abused and intimidated' at local mosque by pro-Palestine supporter who demands he 'condemns' Israel's actions in Gaza

This is the moment a rabbi standing as a Conservative party candidate is 'abused and intimidated' by a pro-Palestine supporter while visiting a local mosque. 

Arnold Saunders, who is trying to win the Bury South seat, was on a visit to the Bilal Mosque in Prestwich when a worshipper began hounding him on his position on the war in Gaza.

Throughout the clip, which has been widely spread on social media, the man aggressively approaches the rabbi telling him to condemn Israel's attacks in Gaza following the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas.

'Condemn the IDF, condemn the killing of children, of women, of old people, of livestock,' the man shouts. 

Rabbi Saunders, who had been invited to the mosque by local elders, tries to speak and stars saying that he 'regret(s)' something before being interrupted once again by the worshipper, who calls him a 'snake'.

'Don't regret. Condemn in the strongest terms. What was your stance on the ceasefire? Did you vote for it? Were you willing to condemn?' the unnamed man adds.

When the Rabbi tries to explain he was unable to vote on the ceasefire, as he is currently not a MP, he is interrupted again and is told 'you're not getting out vote'.

The man shouts and tells the Mosque's leader: 'Tell him to go. He should go. Ask him to go. We don't want to engage with you people. We don't want to engage with you. 

'You justify child killers. You say that it's right that they cut off water and electricity supplies. You say that with your own people and then you come here and smile like a snake.

'Until he goes I am not going. I've asked him 10 times to condemn it.' 

After a three-minute rant the Rabbi is seen being helped up by security staff and lead away from the chaos. 

The clip has sparked widespread condemnation from the Jewish community and beyond.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said: 'We are disgusted by the abusive treatment of Rabbi Arnold Saunders, a candidate in Bury South.

'Rabbi Saunders had been invited by the elders of a local mosque; the video shows that some of the attendees took issue with this and the footage clearly shows the Rabbi was being targeted in this fashion due to his religion.

'We urge all who care about the health of democracy to call out this bigotry.'  

A statement from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and the region said: 'Rabbi Saunders is a much respected communal figure and we unequivocally condemn his treatment in this video.' 

'The fact he has been attacked emphasises how individuals are importing the tragic conflict taking place in Israel and Gaza onto the streets of the UK,' it added.

'This is manifesting itself in politicians campaigning in a General Election being targeted, abused and unable to freely move around the constituencies they are seeking to represent.' 

Richard Holden, the Conservative chairman and parliamentary candidate for Basildon and Billericay, told the Telegraph: 'What's happening here to Arnie Saunders, the Conservative candidate for Bury South, is appalling, disgusting and should not be part of our democratic process.

'I hope the Labour leadership and Bury South Labour candidate condemns this hatred.'

MailOnline has contacted the Bilal Mosque for comment.