Police threaten to arrest ‘openly Jewish’ man for walking near pro-Palestine protest'.
Gideon Falter says Scotland Yard creating no-go zones for Jews in London after confrontation with officer
Scotland Yard are allowing no-go zones for Jews in London, a man has claimed, after officers threatened to arrest him for “antagonising” pro-Palestinian marchers.
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In an exchange that was filmed and uploaded to social media, Mr Falter was told he would not be allowed to cross the road while the march was taking place because as a Jew his presence could create tensions among the marchers.
The police sergeant told him: “You are quite openly Jewish. This is a pro-Palestinian march. I am not accusing you of anything but I am worried about the reaction to your presence.”
In another exchange a short time later he was told if he did not leave the area he would be arrested.
The officer told him: “If you chose to remain here because you are causing a breach of the peace with all of these other people you will be arrested…because your presence here is antagonising a large group of people.”
‘Controversial’ to go for a walk
Describing his reaction to the exchange, Mr Falter said: “I was identifiable as a Jew but was otherwise like any other Londoner.
“I was not part of any protest or counterprotest, and was not wearing any stickers or carrying any signs, flags or the like.
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“I was exercising my right to walk around my home city as a Jewish Londoner. A year ago, that would not have been controversial. But now, it is.
“Despite being told repeatedly that London is safe for Jews when these marches are taking place, my interactions with police officers last Saturday show that the Met believes that being openly Jewish will antagonise the anti-Israel marchers and that Jews need protection, which the police cannot guarantee.
“Instead of addressing that threat of anti-Semitic violence, the Met’s policy instead seems to be that law-abiding Jewish Londoners should not be in the parts of London where these marches are taking place. In other words, that they are no-go zones for Jews.
In a statement a Met spokesman said: “We are aware of this video and fully acknowledge the worry it has caused, not only to those featured, but also anyone who watches it, and will review the circumstances.
“We have always said that we recognise the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be an issue of concern for many Londoners, and this includes the regular protests and marches in central London.
“Everyone has the right to travel throughout the capital in safety. We will meet and discuss with anyone who wishes to organise a march or protest ahead of 27 April.” DT.
