The Metropolitan Police has apologized after a police officer stopped an anti-Semitic activist from crossing the road near a pro-Palestinian march because they were “openly Jewish”.

A video shows a police officer using the word On the afternoon of Saturday 13 April, he spoke to Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, who was wearing a kippah, near a demonstration in London’s Aldwych area.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist apologized on behalf of the Met on Saturday, saying the officer’s use of the phrase was “deeply regrettable” but added that the issues surrounding the ongoing protests were “complex, contentious and polarization”.

In a statement, which included an apology, the assistant commissioner added: “In recent weeks we have seen a new trend of those who oppose the main protests turning up along the route to express their views.

“The fact that those who do this often film themselves while doing so suggests that they must know that their presence is provocative, that they are eliciting a response and that they are increasing the likelihood of an argument.

“They also make it more likely that police will intervene.

“They are not doing this to stifle free speech or limit the right to protest, but to isolate opposing groups, prevent unrest and keep the public — including everyone participating in or opposing protests — safe.”

Twist added that the video, shared by the anti-Semitism campaign, would “further undermine the confidence of many Jewish Londoners”.

“Blaming the victim”

Mr Falter responded to Mr Twist’s comments, accusing them of the power of “victim blaming”.

In a statement posted on the During this time I was not allowed to enter the area.”

“The assistant commissioner seemed to be saying that we should just accept this and keep the video secret.

“Not only that, while apologizing for the actions of his officers, he doubled down on their language, saying the presence of people like me – Jews – was a ‘provocation’.”

Mr Falter added that it was his right and “the right of every Jew” to walk freely in London.

He continued: “If the police threaten to arrest us or consider our presence a provocation, the Met will decide to impose wholesale restrictions on Jewish rights in order to appease the lawless mob”.

“On Saturday, April 27, I and hopefully others will once again walk in our hometown and be ‘openly Jewish’ again. We must not be intimidated by protesters or prevented from exercising our rights by police.”

Police further apologized

The Metropolitan Police later deleted their tweet and apologized for any offense caused.

Their statement read: “It is deeply regrettable that one of our police officers used the term ‘openly Jewish’. We know this will offend many people. We reiterate our apology.”

“We have reflected on the response to our previous statement. In trying to demonstrate policing of the protests, we caused further offense. This was never our intention. We have removed the statement and apologize.”

How did the quarrel begin?

Mr Falter said he was walking in the capital after attending a synagogue and that he was not doing so as a counter-protest when he walked past the demonstrators on Saturday.

Video footage shows a police officer telling him: “You are openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march and I’m not accusing you of anything, but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”

In the video, another officer tells him: “There’s a group of people here right now.

“You will be escorted out of the area so you can go about your business and be free to go where you want, or if you choose to stay here for disturbing the peace for everyone else, you will be arrested. “

The official said Mr Falter’s presence was “offensive”.

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The anti-Semitism campaigner said after the incident: “Although people were repeatedly told that London was safe for Jews at the time of these marches, my interaction with police last Saturday showed that the Met considered public Being Jewish angers anti-Israel marchers, and Jews need protection, but police cannot guarantee that.

“Rather than address the threat of anti-Semitic violence, the Met’s policy seems to suggest that law-abiding Jewish Londoners should not be present in the areas of London where these marches are held. In other words, these places are no-go zones for Jews.” “

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in London on Saturday, calling for a ceasefire and urging the government to stop all arms sales to Israel.

The crowd waved Palestinian flags, chanted “Free Palestine” and held signs calling for an “immediate ceasefire.”