Protestor tried to burn Israeli flags at Jewish student event in Hackney

A protestor allegedly tried to set fire to Israeli flags at a Jewish student event in Hackney.

Police officers were called to the event hosted by the charity StandWithUs UK and the Union of Jewish Students after it was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters.

Witnesses claim the protesters shouted pro-Palestinian chants, with one individual attempting to set fire to Israeli flags.

The incident took place on 19th November and was intended to be an event hosted by the two organisations with 250 “Jewish and Zionist students” in attendance according to StandWithUs.

According to Jewish News, a group who were not invited to the event and were heard shouting “Free Palestine” were warned that they would be removed if they continued, before an individual allegedly attempted to burn Israeli flags with a lighter before being escorted away and spoken to by police.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Jewish News: “At 00:00hrs on Wednesday, 20 November officers were called to a venue in Curtain Road, Hackney. An off duty officer had detained a woman on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated criminal damage.

“The incident followed an altercation between members of a Jewish student group who were holding an event at the venue and another group of customers. During the altercation, a woman was seen to use a lighter to burn one of a number of Israeli flags that had been put up as decoration.

“The details of all involved were taken by the officers at the scene, who initially determined that no further action should be taken. The circumstances have since been reviewed and a decision taken that the investigation will remain open so that the matter can be fully investigated.”

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Despite the incident the event continued and in a statement StandWithUs UK Executive Director Isaac Zarfati said: “We commend those students who organised and attended the event. Despite the hateful actions, the event was a resounding success and highlights the strong desire from Jewish and Zionist students to express their support for Israel. StandWithUs UK will continue to support Zionist students on campus and will not be intimidated by the actions of a few to deter support for Israel.”

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