The UK Metropolitan Police issued an apology last Friday, following comments made by one officer who referred to Gideon Falter, the Chief Executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), as ‘openly Jewish’ at a pro-Palestinian protest. The officer described Falter’s presence as provocative; a characterization that has since sparked significant backlash.
A video released by the CAA demonstrates the situation. The officer did not allow Falter to cross the road on account of the march, claiming that his display of Jewish identity was a potential provocation. Falter was wearing a kippah and the officer expressed concern about potential reactions to it. Moreover, the group was allegedly threatened with arrest if they did not vacate the area.
In an official statement, the Metropolitan Police expressed regret over the officer’s behavior, saying, “The use of the term ‘openly Jewish’ by our officers is hugely regrettable. We know it will have caused offense to many. We reiterate our apology… Being Jewish is not a provocation. Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city. Our commitment to protect the public extends to all communities across London.”
The incident led to calls for the resignation or dismissal of the head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley. Petitioners included the CAA, Suella Braverman (former Home Secretary), and other ministers unhappy with the force’s handling of the protests. Braverman declared, “[t]wo-tier policing has now reached the stage where a Jewish person cannot cross the road. We’ve had countless mistakes & apologies. We don’t need more speeches. Enough is enough. Someone needs to take responsibility.”
While the UK government has indeed welcomed the apology, it has also underscored the need for officers to handle religious sensitivities with due care, even during the complexities of fast-moving public protests. No person associated with any religion, it maintains, should be deemed provocative simply because of their faith.