The Metropolitan Police has been forced to apologise again – just an hour after their first apology – after one of its officers called an antisemitism charity leader “openly Jewish” during a protest.
Gideon Falter was wearing a kippah skull cap when he was stopped in the Aldwych area of London on Saturday and threatened with arrest for being near a pro-Palestine march.
Officers told him his presence was causing a “breach of peace” as he looked “openly Jewish”.
Following the incident Scotland Yard apologised for the phrase used by the officer but antisemitism campaign groups said the apology did not go far enough, with the Campaign Against Antisemitism claiming their original statement was “appalling and abject victim-blaming” due to the wording used, as it did not address the fact the officer had told him to leave the area.
The statement from CAA read: “What is ‘provocative’ is telling a Jewish Londoner that his presence will ‘antagonise’ crowds and that unless he leaves he will be arrested.”
Following the backlash, the Met was left red-faced as it was forced to issued a second apology, saying sorry for the first apology.
It read: “We have reflected on the strength of the response to our previous statement. In an effort to make a point about the policing of protest, we caused further offence.
“This was never our intention and we apologise. Being Jewish is not a provocation. Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city.
“Our commitment to protecting the public extends to all communities across London. It’s important that our public statements reflect that more clearly than they did today.”
The initial statement issued by the force’s assistant commissioner Matt Twist in response to the comment made by the officer said “it was a poor choice of words and while not intended, we know it will have caused offence to many”.
Mr Twist’s original statement, which the CAA took issue with, continued: “In recent weeks we’ve seen a new trend emerge, with those opposed to the main protests appearing along the route to express their views.
“The fact that those who do this often film themselves while doing so suggests they must know that their presence is provocative, that they’re inviting a response and that they’re increasing the likelihood of an altercation.
“They’re also making it much more likely officers will intervene. They don’t do so to stifle free speech or to limit the right to protest, but to keep opposing groups apart, to prevent disorder and keep the public – including those taking part in or opposing the protest – safe.”
In a video posted to social media, an officer could be heard saying: “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march, I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”
