London police apologize for warning about arresting Jewish man near pro-Palestinian protest

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LONDON (AP) — London police were forced to offer two apologies after officers warned they would arrest an “openly Jewish” man if he refused to leave the area around a pro-Palestinian march because his presence could provoke protesters.

Gideon Falter, executive director of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was wearing a traditional Jewish hat when he was stopped by police as he tried to cross a central London street in front of protesters on April 13.

An officer told Falter he was concerned that the man’s “overtly Jewish” appearance could provoke a reaction from protesters, according to the video posted by the campaign group. A second officer then warned Falter that he would be detained if he refused to be escorted out of the area because he was “causing a breach of the peace.”

On Friday afternoon, London’s Metropolitan Police Service apologized for the language used by the officer when describing Falter’s appearance, but stressed that counter-protesters needed to be aware “that their presence is provocative.”

The Met later deleted that apology from its social media accounts and issued a second statement.

“In an effort to make a point about policing the protest we caused further offence,” the force said. “It was never our intention. We have withdrawn that statement and offer

apologies.”

“Being Jewish is not a provocation. “Jewish Londoners should be able to feel safe in the city,” he added.

The incident highlights the challenges facing London police amid simmering tensions over the Gaza war, as some Jewish residents say they feel threatened by repeated pro-Palestinian marches through the streets of the Gaza Strip. British capital.

Although the marches have been mostly peaceful, many protesters accuse Israel of genocide and a small number have shown support for Hamas, the group that led the October 7 attack on Israel and which has been banned by the British government as terrorist organization.