Cop accuses head of Jewish campaign group of ‘antagonising’ pro-Gaza marchers by being ‘openly Jewish’
THE head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism is accused by a cop of “antagonising” pro-Gaza marchers — for being “openly Jewish”.
Gideon Falter, who heads up the leading Jewish campaign group, was pulled aside by police while trying to cross the road in the middle of a Gaza rally in London last Saturday.
Video of the confrontation shared online shows an officer accusing him of “breaching the peace” because he is “quite openly Jewish”.
Mr Falter, who was walking back from a synagogue wearing a kippah at the time, was told he was “antagonising a large group of people”.
The officer adds: “I am not accusing you of anything, but I am worried about the reaction to your presence.”
The footage sparked a furious response online, with Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, describing it as “beyond appalling”.
The CAA has called for a mass demonstration on April 27 in response.
In a video posted to X/Twitter, Mr Falter said: “Britain is rightly proud of its values of tolerance and decency, and we cannot as a society accept that this is now going to be the norm.”
He said he was not criticising the frontline officers who are “put in impossible positions week in, week out”, but called on the Met Police to curtail the marches or ban them altogether.
The CAA also shared shocking footage from the rally showing protesters shouting “scum” and “Nazi” at Mr Falter, while another man tells him “I’m watching your movement.”
A spokesperson for the Met said: “We are aware of this video and fully acknowledge the worry it has caused, not only to those featured, but also anyone who watches it, and will review the circumstances.
“We have always said that we recognise the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be an issue of concern for many Londoners, and this includes the regular protests and marches in central London Everyone has the right to travel throughout the capital in safety.”
Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist last night apologised for the “hugely regrettable” choice of words.