London Police Issue Apology Over Threat to Arrest Openly Jewish Man Near Pro-Palestinian March

• London police apologized for threatening to arrest an openly Jewish man near a pro-Palestinian march.
• The incident highlighted tensions amid the Gaza conflict, with some accusing Israel of genocide and supporting Hamas.
• The Campaign Against Antisemitism urged Londoners to walk freely during the next march, asserting the right for all, including openly Jewish individuals.

 

EKO HOT BLOG reports that, London’s police force issued two apologies after officers threatened to arrest an “openly Jewish” man near a pro-Palestinian march, fearing his presence could provoke demonstrators.

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Gideon Falter, from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, wearing a Jewish skullcap, was stopped by police while trying to cross a street in central London on April 13.

 

An officer warned Falter that his “quite openly Jewish” appearance might provoke protesters, while another threatened him with arrest for “causing a breach of the peace.”

 

The Metropolitan Police Service initially apologized for the officer’s language but later retracted it, acknowledging their mistake.

 

“In an effort to make a point about the policing of protest we caused further offense,” the force admitted. “This was never our intention. We have removed that statement and we apologize.”

 

The incident underscores the challenges faced by London police amid heightened tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict.

 

While the pro-Palestinian marches have mostly been peaceful, some participants accuse Israel of genocide, and a few express support for Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the British government.

 

The Met has deployed thousands of officers to protect the rights of protesters and prevent clashes.

 

Following Falter’s confrontation, the Campaign Against Antisemitism called on Londoners to exercise their right to walk freely during the next pro-Palestinian march on April 27.

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The Met contacted Falter regarding his “protest” plans and offered to discuss ensuring safety, but Falter clarified that he intended to walk as a private individual, asserting the right for anyone, including openly Jewish individuals, to walk freely.