Police have made 14 arrests after rival protesters clashed outside a synagogue in North London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests occurred during a demonstration outside the Edgware United Synagogue on Sunday, June 15.
Protest Details
Protesters gathered after the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups alleged that a real estate event at the synagogue was "openly advertising the sale of land" in an "illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank." The Palestinian Youth Movement claimed that more than 100 parliamentarians and human rights organizations had condemned the "criminal event."
However, the Board of Deputies of British Jews stated that the event's organizers had "publicly refuted claims that the event is marketing real estate over the Green Line" — referring to the 1949 armistice lines separating Israel from the West Bank.
Community Reactions
The Board of Deputies expressed being "deeply disturbed" by the "wholly unjustified" demonstration, adding that MPs had "inflamed tensions through partial and misleading commentary."
Footage shared on social media showed angry confrontations between protesters waving Palestine flags and counter-protesters waving Israel flags, with police detaining several demonstrators. A large sign held by protesters near the synagogue read: "stop Israel's illegal sale of stolen Palestinian land."
Arrests and Charges
The Metropolitan Police reported five arrests for violent disorder, including one person also arrested for assault on an emergency worker, one for common assault, and another for assault on an emergency worker. Six arrests were made under Section 4a of the Public Order Act, with four of those being racially or religiously aggravated. One arrest was for Section 18 Public Order Act offences. All arrested individuals were taken into custody.
Statements from Groups
Jeanine Hourani, a representative of the Palestinian Youth Movement, said: "Over the last week, we have mobilised every segment of British society to get this criminal event cancelled. Over 100 parliamentarians, leading human rights organisations, the mayor of London, multiple legal organisations and over 100 grassroots organisations have condemned this event and called for its cancellation. And yet, it is still going ahead and that's why we are protesting today."
Adrian Cohen, acting president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, stated: "The event organisers have publicly refuted claims that the event is marketing real estate over the Green Line. It is very disappointing that MPs and other public figures have not acknowledged this and instead inflamed tensions through partial and misleading commentary. Protesting at a synagogue based on false pretences seems to be little more than an excuse to harass and intimidate members of the Jewish community."
Cohen also highlighted new measures under the Crime and Policing Act, which from the end of the month will give police new powers to impose conditions on protests near places of worship. He called on police to ensure such protests are kept a significant distance from places of worship to prevent intimidation.
Police Response
Metropolitan Police Commander Adam Slonecki said: "We have liaised with the venue and the Community Security Trust and have deployed officers to prevent serious disruption and to deal with any offences, using the full range of powers available to us including imposing conditions under the Public Order Act. We are mindful that Jewish communities are experiencing heightened fear and concern following two-and-a-half years of sustained protest and, in recent months, a series of arsons and other attacks. There is a distinction between protesting in central London and protesting in the heart of communities where the potential to cause serious disruption and intimidation is greater and our policing plan reflects that."
