Gideon Falter, the chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was recently told by a Metropolitan Police officer that his “openly Jewish” presence at a pro-Palestine march was “antagonising” and could lead to arrest. This incident is part of a disturbing trend in London, where the policing of protests has come at the expense of individual freedoms and safety. The Metropolitan Police has been criticized for its handling of these incidents, and the government is considering banning pro-Palestine marches.
The recent surge in antisemitism at pro-Palestine marches is deeply troubling. The Metropolitan Police has a duty to protect all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. However, its policy of appeasement towards antisemitic imagery and chanting during these marches is undermining the very principles of democracy and freedom of expression.
The government must intervene decisively to protect the rights and safety of all Londoners. Freedom of expression should not be a shield for hate and antisemitism. Pro-Palestine protests in their current form must be banned. The health of our society depends on it.
