On Monday evening, Jewish theatergoers heading to a performance of Fiddler on the Roof were confronted by anti-Israel protesters inside a Regent’s Park cafe, causing a tense and distressing scene.
Protesters brandishing Palestinian flags shouted derogatory remarks like “Zionists” and “You are an embarrassment to England” at the Jewish patrons. Martine, a Jewish attendee, described the encounter as “very heated” and “awful.”
The cafe, located just 200 meters from Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, was filled with people attending the final preview of the beloved Jewish musical. While the theater has strict security measures, the cafe is open to the general public. Dave Rich, Head of Policy at CST, condemned the incident on Twitter, stating, “Fiddler on the Roof isn’t just a Jewish musical: it’s the family story of most Jewish families in this country. Holding an anti-Israel protest there is pure antisemitism.”
Tracy-Anne Oberman, an actress and JC columnist, also weighed in, remarking, “They attempted to hound me for doing [The Merchant of Venice], and now these ‘Freedom Fighters’ are attacking Fiddler on the Roof—both set long before Israel even existed. Jew hate is Jew hate. Don’t look away, especially people in the arts."
* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.