The Metropolitan Police in London recently found themselves in hot water as they were accused of giving in to radical pro-Hamas activists by threatening to arrest a British Jew, Gideon Falter, because his presence was deemed provocative to a mob of anti-Israel protesters. Falter, CEO of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was returning from a synagogue service and wearing a kippah when he was confronted by a London police officer who ordered him not to cross a street, threatening him with arrest for breaching the peace. Critics have called for the resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, accusing him of being unable to maintain order in the streets of London.
In response to the incident, Rowley reiterated his commitment to ensuring that everyone in London feels safe. He issued an apology and emphasized that his officers would continue to police with courage, empathy, and impartiality. However, Falter expressed disappointment with the police’s handling of the situation, claiming that the Metropolitan Police have created a “no-go zone” for Jews in central London. He accused Rowley of failing to take action to curb anti-Semitic behavior and allowing hate crimes to go unpunished.
Former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman also called for Rowley’s resignation, criticizing the police for failing to rein in the mass anti-Semitic marches that have been taking place in London. She expressed concern over the culture within the police force that allows thugs to intimidate and harass while law-abiding citizens are forced to stay out of the way. Israel’s minister tasked with combating anti-Semitism, Amichai Chikli, previously labeled London as the “world’s most anti-Semitic city,” adding to the growing chorus of condemnation of the situation in the city.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the police to take decisive action to address the persecution of Falter and the rise of anti-Semitic behavior in the city. He criticized the mayor for creating an environment where British Jewish taxpayers are viewed as more of a threat to public order than pro-Hamas campaigners. The Home Office also weighed in, stating that simply being Jewish, or of any other race or religion, should never be seen as provocative, regardless of the circumstances.
Overall, the incident involving Gideon Falter has sparked widespread criticism of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of anti-Semitic behavior in London. Calls for the resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, along with demands for increased action to curb hate crimes and anti-Semitic marches, have raised concerns about the safety and security of the Jewish community in the city. As tensions continue to run high, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the growing threat of anti-Semitism in London.
