In a troubling incident that has sparked outrage and concern, Gideon Falter, the head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism organization, was reportedly stopped by a London police officer during a pro-Palestinian march in the city. The officer’s concern? Falter’s “openly Jewish” appearance might provoke a reaction from the protesters, reigniting discussions about the safety of Jewish individuals in public spaces. This encounter also highlights a striking irony: Gideon Falter, a prominent left-wing figure in the fight against antisemitism, was recently involved in the arrest of conservative pro-Israel journalist Tommy Robinson. The convergence of these events adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
According to a report by The Telegraph, the incident occurred on Saturday when Falter, identifiable by his skullcap and a bag containing his prayer shawl, attempted to navigate through the area where the march was taking place. The police sergeant allegedly stopped Falter, expressing concerns that his Jewish appearance might provoke a reaction from the protesters, thus reigniting discussions about the safety of Jewish individuals in public spaces. This encounter, captured on film, brings to light the serious transformation of a peaceful and democratic society to one where an ethnic group with centuries of cooperative history in the region, has to fear for its safety in public.
Footage of the encounter shows the officer telling Falter, “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.” Falter recounted that he and his companions were not actively participating in the protest, emphasizing that they were merely walking as Jews without displaying any symbols or engaging with the demonstrators.
“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.”
Enough is enough. It is time for a major change.
On Saturday 27th April — the next anti-Israel march — we are asking you,… pic.twitter.com/lfJr7UZnif
— Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) April 18, 2024
The footage also captured another officer informing Falter that the police could escort him out of the area for his safety or face potential arrest if he chose to remain due to concerns about antagonizing the marchers.
In response to the incident, the London police issued a statement acknowledging the video and expressing understanding of the distress it caused. “Everyone has the right to travel throughout the capital in safety,” the statement read. The police further stated their commitment to reviewing the circumstances and engaging with organizers of future marches or protests to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and has sparked calls for police to take decisive action against the violent Hamas supporters, whom the police admit will likely react violently at the mere sight of a Jewish person.
Comedian Andrew Lawrence, as reported by journalist David Atherton, criticized the police for their treatment of Jews, particularly Mr. Falter.
Comedian @andrewlawrence rips into the @metpoliceuk over its treatment of Jews & especially @GideonFalter.
He really metaphorically sticks the boot in. pic.twitter.com/Dbi2SB79B6
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) April 20, 2024
Additionally, the Metropolitan Police issued an apology for the officer’s comment about Gideon Falter’s “openly Jewish” appearance. The force acknowledged causing offense and withdrew its initial statement, issuing a second apology for further offense. Gideon Falter responded by accusing the Met Police of creating “no-go zones” for Jewish people, highlighting the issue of antisemitic violence and the need for protection for Jewish Londoners. This is the same sentiment echoed by Robin Simcox, the Commissioner for Countering Extremism at the United Kingdom’s Home Office.
Ironically
Today I was finally contacted by @MetPoliceUK. This is the only contact that I have had from them since Saturday.#ShabbatShalom #WalkTogether pic.twitter.com/0WcxcKLfG0
— Gideon Falter (@GideonFalter) April 19, 2024
The Campaign Against Antisemitism criticized the Met Police’s initial statement as victim-blaming and responded to it by labeling it as “appalling, abject victim-blaming.” The force later issued a second apology, stating that “being Jewish is not a provocation” and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities across London.
Ironically, Gideon Falter, who identifies as a leftist, was recently involved in the arrest of conservative pro-Israel journalist Tommy Robinson. Just a few months ago, Robinson was arrested for attending Falter’s rally against antisemitism. Police were instructed to remove Robinson, who was trying to report on the rally, and show his solidarity.
This contradiction is highlighted by the fact that Falter, who was told by police that his mere presence could upset protesters, engaged in similar actions against Robinson.
This is outrageous.
But it’s also karma.
This same man, @GideonFalter, who was told by police that his mere presence could upset protesters DID THE EXACT SAME THING to Tommy Robinson a few months ago.
Falter demanded police arrest Tommy and they did.pic.twitter.com/V5LEHdtyTx https://t.co/WlHC9PgRvQ
— Ezra Levant (@ezralevant) April 19, 2024
In reflecting on the events that transpired, one can only hope that Gideon Falter, having experienced firsthand the challenges of being unjustly targeted, will extend an apology to Tommy Robinson. Robinson, known for his outspoken advocacy for Jews and the existence of the state of Israel worldwide, now faces legal issues stemming from his arrest, a situation made all the more regrettable by the irony that Falter, in his fight against antisemitism, allowed politics to overshadow principles.
The post London’s Antisemitism Paradox: From Targeting Tommy Robinson to Becoming the Target (Video) appeared first on RAIR.
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Author: Amy Mek
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