The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has organized an Anti-Israel demonstration for October 12, coinciding with Yom Kippur. The march is set to begin at 12pm, raising concerns about its impact on Jewish worshippers.
The Community Security Trust's (CST) Director of Policy, David Rich, has called the timing "completely unacceptable." Rich demands the march not pass by any central London synagogues and advises rescheduling.
He emphasized the potential disruption to Jewish communities, stating that some synagogues have previously altered service times due to protests. Rich stressed the unique challenge posed by a Yom Kippur demonstration, as synagogues will be attended throughout the day.
Previous PSC-organized protests have included antisemitic chants and pro-Hamas placards. Six demonstrators were arrested at Saturday's march for various offenses. Recently, Met deputy chief Matt Twist admitted to policing mistakes during past Gaza marches.
The CST is urgently discussing the matter with police and government officials. They are pushing for the demonstration to be postponed or, at minimum, moved away from synagogues and routes used by congregants.
The impact of protests on Jews entering and leaving synagogues on Shabbat has been mitigated with precise scheduling in the past. However, an anti-Israel march on Yom Kippur presents a unique challenge due to all-day synagogue attendance.
The PSC has been contacted for comment on the matter.
The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.