- Anti-Semitism leader barred near pro-Palestine march, sparks controversy
- Police cite “openly Jewish” identity, fear disturbance; arrest threat issued
- Campaigner criticizes police, alleges “no-go zones” for Jews
Last Saturday in London, the leader of the Campaign Against Antisemitism was prevented from crossing a road near a pro-Palestine demonstration.
A supporter of antisemitism was threatened with arrest mere yards from a pro-Palestine march, with one Metropolitan Police officer characterising his presence as “antagonising.”
Social media users viewed a video excerpt depicting police officers remarking that Gideon Falter was “quite openly Jewish” and had committed a “breach of peace.”
Last Saturday, in the Aldwych neighbourhood of London, the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) chief executive was prevented from crossing a road near the demonstration while donning a kippah skull cap.
An officer remarked, “Your Jewish identity is quite open.” This is a march in support of Palestine. Although I have no accusations against you, I am concerned about how others will react to your presence.”
Another officer stated, “A unit of individuals is currently present.
You will be escorted out of this area so that you may readily proceed with your activities. Should you choose to remain here despite disrupting the peace among the other individuals, you will face arrest.
The officer was heard in the clip describing Mr. Falter’s presence as “antagonising.”
After the incident, Mr. Falter criticised the Metropolitan Police and stated that “no-go zones for Jews” existed.
According to him, despite receiving repeated assurances that London is secure for Jews during these demonstrations, his encounters with police officers on Saturday indicate that the Metropolitan Police is concerned that openly Jewishness will provoke the anti-Israel marchers and that Jews require protection that the police are unable to provide.
“Rather than addressing the threat of antisemitic violence, the Metropolitan Police’s policy appears to be that law-abiding Jewish Londoners should not be in the areas where these marches are taking place,” he continued.
In other terms, Jews are prohibited from entering these areas.
Mr. Falter stated that he intends to trek throughout London on April 27 and that the entire city should be secure.
According to a statement from the CAA, Mr. Falter attended a synagogue last Saturday before joining a group of individuals for a strollabout.
“They were openly Jewish but lacked emblems or placards, refrained from shouting, said or did not do anything political, and made no effort to interact with protesters or participate in counterprotests,” the report continued. They endeavoured to traverse London at will, acting as Jews. They, however, were unable to.”
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On Saturday, London was filled with tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who demanded a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and demanded that the United Kingdom cease all arms sales to Israel.
The Metropolitan Police issued the following statement: “We fully acknowledge the concern it has caused, not only to the individuals featured but to all who view it.”
“We recognise that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas remains a source of concern for many Londoners, as evidenced by the regular marches and protests in central London,” the force stated.
All individuals are entitled to secure movement throughout the capital.
