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AIBU

To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic

(829 Posts)
TerriBull Fri 19-Apr-24 10:46:31

An openly Jewish man wearing a skull cap was trying to cross the road where a pro Palestine march was taking place. He was stopped by a Met Officer who threatened to arrest the man for breaching the peace because of his openly Jewish appearance. He was merely trying to cross the road. Yes tensions run high amongst these demonstrations, but this person is a citizen going about their daily life. Why should the onus be on him to disappear, surely that onus should be on the demonstrators not to target individuals to take out any grievances. Possibly the Officer was trying to head off any clashes, but I think there is something worryingly wrong and discriminatory in telling a demographic, any demographic, they are not free to move about on the streets of their own country.

Your thoughts on the matter.

Oreo Fri 19-Apr-24 12:32:32

Witzend

I’m afraid it’s officially seen as fine and advisable to pander to certain minorities, especially the more vocal, demanding ones, while those who largely mind their own business, can go hang.

This, absolutely.

Anniebach Fri 19-Apr-24 12:31:06

‘At the moment you are quite openly Jewish’ this is acceptable?

Wyllow3 Fri 19-Apr-24 12:20:07

Reference to DM article above
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13326969/Campaign-Against-Antisemitism-Gideon-Falter-threatened-arrest-Jewish-pro-Palestine-march-London.html

maddyone Fri 19-Apr-24 12:14:19

openly Jewish

He was wearing a kippah!

Is that offensive or in some way provocative?

If it is so, why isn’t wearing a headscarf, or a pro Palestinian/Hamas black and white checked scarf offensive?

Rosie51 Fri 19-Apr-24 12:11:10

*semitic not semetic!

maddyone Fri 19-Apr-24 12:10:43

Germanshepherdsmum

A violent response was reasonably foreseeable. Have you read the article?

That is probably correct GSM, but who would be the offender? An innocent member of the public who is wearing a kippah, or the protesters who presumably think he is fair game?

Wyllow3 Fri 19-Apr-24 12:10:19

I've read all the articles I could find around the incident. Deplore the anti semitic extremists but don't think by any means all the demonstrators feel like that. for example, any reports could include this information as balance:

"Max Hammer, 22, is a member of Na’amod, a Jewish group opposing the occupation of Palestinian lands. He is one of the hundreds who have formed a Jewish bloc” – a coalition of Jewish groups that are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza – who attend the marches. He said: “Despite the fact that these marches are often sort of labelled as ‘dangerous for Jews’, one of the things that I found really empowering is to be part of the ‘Jewish bloc’ and see how many Jews are actually out on the streets declaring loudly their solidarity with Palestinians. We are always welcomed very, very heartily.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/13/weve-built-something-extraordinary-six-months-of-uk-pro-palestine-marches

In this particular incident I think the best outcome would have been an escort across the street. But his presence was not entirely neutral as the DM reveals:

"EXCLUSIVE Revealed: Man threatened with arrest by police for 'breaching the peace' by being 'quite openly Jewish' near Gaza march is *chief executive of leading Jewish group - as he calls for mass demo in response

Very complicated?

Rosie51 Fri 19-Apr-24 12:08:33

These are peaceful anti Israel marches, not anti-semetic marches we are constantly reassured. Why then would an openly Jewish man be a cause for a violent reaction? Is he wearing an Israeli flag, or carrying a banner proclaiming himself anti-Palestine? I can understand the reasons the police may have acted the way they did, but let's abandon the whole insistence these marches are not a threat to anyone.

Pantglas2 Fri 19-Apr-24 12:08:00

“Obviously Jewish” near a pro-Palestine March! Now swap that for obviously black during a National Front protest…Lawdy!

Germanshepherdsmum Fri 19-Apr-24 11:57:24

A violent response was reasonably foreseeable. Have you read the article?

tickingbird Fri 19-Apr-24 11:57:20

There’s an actual video. It’s dusgraceful. Those who must be obeyed, who must have their own way.

If you can’t see how afraid the powers that be are of certain communities you must be blind.

Anniebach Fri 19-Apr-24 11:55:37

So the Jew was prevented from crossing a road for fear of a
violent response from the marchers ? Unbelievable, truly
unbelievable

Germanshepherdsmum Fri 19-Apr-24 11:55:37

I agree. It was possible that the man’s presence could provoke a hostile reaction from some of those on the march. The policeman rightly foresaw that and was trying to prevent trouble and to protect the man.

maddyone Fri 19-Apr-24 11:54:48

Why would a Jewish man wearing a kippah trying to cross the road promote a hostile and possibly violent response from pro Palestinian marchers?
Why would blame be attached to the police if marchers were violent and hostile?
Why wouldn’t the marchers be blamed for their violence and hostile behaviour?
Because the marchers are the ones who would be breaking the law!

sassysaysso Fri 19-Apr-24 11:47:13

No, London does not belong to any one demographic and neither does it. However had the man's presence provoked a hostile, possibly violent response from the marchers, considerable blame would have been attached to the police. It is their job to keep the peace.

Anniebach Fri 19-Apr-24 11:46:34

Ramadan celebrated in London with lights , at Easter

Anniebach Fri 19-Apr-24 11:35:24

The last march a Jewish lady complained to a police officer
of a swastika on a banner, the officer told her ‘it needed to be.taken in context’

Callistemon21 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:34:33

CoolCoco

Was it to protect the man from possible harassment? just a thought. I agree it shouldn't be necessary though.

I'm arresting you for your own protection?

🤔 Probably not.

CoolCoco Fri 19-Apr-24 11:33:09

Was it to protect the man from possible harassment? just a thought. I agree it shouldn't be necessary though.

Witzend Fri 19-Apr-24 11:19:00

I’m afraid it’s officially seen as fine and advisable to pander to certain minorities, especially the more vocal, demanding ones, while those who largely mind their own business, can go hang.

Freya5 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:14:26

Why should we not assume. Have you not seen them dressed as Hamas fighters. Google,plenty to be found.

Freya5 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:13:17

www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/london-cop-threatens-jewish-man-with-arrest-for-his-antagonzing-presence-at-anti-israel-march

Wyllow3 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:13:00

I'd also like the question the assumption that anyone on the March must be Hamas!

Wyllow3 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:10:42

Yes, a source please.

Freya5 Fri 19-Apr-24 11:09:47

Absolutely disgusting if this happened. What is the Met using as police nowadays. One of the duties is to make sure your rights are protected, not to threaten arrest because you a Jewish person, want to cross the road near a lot of Hamas supporters.