London – The decision by the Metropolitan Police to order the far-right-wing organizers of an ‘Anti Jewification’ demonstration planned for this coming Saturday in one of the heartlands of London Jewry, Golders Green, to be relocated opposite 10, Downing Street in the center of the capital, has been greeted with relief by communal leaders and local politicians.
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In their statement, the police stated they had been ‘engaging’ with both the protesters and those considering counter demonstrations and after careful consideration especially of the likely impact the static demonstration would have on both the Jewish and wider community in Golders Green, they had concluded that “the presence of these groups in the same area at the same time is likely to result in serious disorder, serious disruption to the life of the community and intimidation of others.”
The Metropolitan Police added that – given the circumstances – conditions had been imposed and that the ‘Anti Shomrim’ protesters “must assemble to hold their rally in a static assembly for 60 minutes between 1 and 2 p.m.” at the footway in Whitehall opposite Downing Street.
“By imposing these conditions, the MPS is attempting to strike a balance between the right to peaceful assembly and peaceful protest and our duty to prevent crime and disorder and protect the communities of Golders Green,” they said, adding that they still intended to continue with a “significant policing operation around the protest and any counter protest activity.” They concluded that it was “essential that faith and community leaders work closely with the local community and police in preventing disorder and other criminality.”
Downing Street is a prime London location which no doubt the police considered might help ease the neo-Nazis’ likely frustration at being moved from Golders Green.
Communal leaders were quick to welcome the news, with the “Golders Green together” coalition headed by the Board of Deputies, London Jewish Forum and Hope not hate (an anti-fascist organization), applauding the decision. The Community Security Trust expressed satisfaction as well.
A CST spokesman said that the neo-Nazis had sought to protest in Golders Green, as they have previously done in Stamford Hill, and as they plan to in other areas with notable Jewish communities. “We will not sit idly by when anti-Semitic neo-Nazis choose to spend their Saturday afternoons agitating against Jews in various areas of north London.” The decision, they added, would enable orthodox Jews “to observe their Shabbat with integrity and dignity”.
The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, expressed his thanks to the police and communal groups over the relocation of the rally. He tweeted: “Many thanks @metpoliceuk & all our community orgs for their efforts in ensuring that the offensive, 4th July rally has been moved out of GG.”
Jonathan Arkush, Board President said that the “sad little gathering of Nazi admirers” had been rejected by ‘Golders Green Together’ and had now been forced out of Golders Green altogether. “Our community and many others stood together in unity, pride and strength and we have won. Our Shabbat will be one of shalom, just as it always should be.”
Adrian Cohen, Chair of London Jewish Forum added that they were delighted that common sense had prevailed and that a fringe group seeking to spread hate had been banned from demonstrating.
Local MP Mike Freer said he too welcomed the action taken by the police to move the demonstration “well out of harm’s way.” He added, “Golders Green was obviously chosen as the original location as the protestors planned to incite racial hatred. We do have freedom of speech in this country but the message is clear – anti-Semitism has no place on our streets.”
However the Golders Green Together initiative, which also includes local members of other faiths, plans to proceed with its decorating local streets initiative the day before, on the Friday, “especially as the far-right groups are still planning to protest in Central London. We will not let those who seek to spread hate divide us, we will stand together as one community.”
What about Jews living in central London ? do we just abandon them?
I don’t see the how this became an anti Shomrim protest! From all the propaganda this is clearly anti Jewish. Germany would have most likely banned this nazi group. If this group is so tough let them protest other “non whites”!