The British Museum has suspended Jewish cultural month studies due to fears of protests | British Museum

The British Museum has put the case on hold Jewish cultural month fearing that the event will be disrupted by protesters.

The museum announced that it was an old story Israel and Judah, which was supposed to happen on Thursday, will happen on another day that will not be decided.

The talk in the BP lecture hall in the museum was to be given by Dr Paul Collins, manager of the Middle East department, and is expected to look at the past and the history of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah through the art preserved by the museum.

It is also expected to cover other historical events such as the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Maccabean revolt, and has been organized as part of the first Jewish cultural month in the UK, which will run until 16 June.

However, less than 24 hours before the event, the museum announced that it would be cancelled. In a statement, the museum said it had been informed that a “large proportion” of those who registered were “people who want to intentionally disrupt the event, prevent others from participating in good faith and undermine the purpose of the program…

“The British Museum they are well aware of the importance of legitimate protest and free speech in a democracy. Similarly, we have the responsibility to ensure that the events taking place inside the museum can be held safely, securely and without fear for speakers, staff and visitors. “

The museum added that after discussions with organizers and security staff, a joint decision was taken to postpone the event until the following day “when it can be held in an environment that better protects the audience experience and the integrity of the program”.

It said it would continue to support Jewish cultural month, a place where history, culture and education can be explored “without interference”.

George Osborne, a former Conservative chancellor who is chairman of the British Museum, explained what the organization said about X: “It’s better to read before thinking.”

However, the decision of the museum was criticized by the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, Jewish commentators and advocates of freedom of expression, who said publicly – cultural institutions supported by money should not be seen to return to historical or cultural discussions about Jewish identity in response to the threat of protests.

Other critics of the move include historian and BBC presenter Simon Schama, who said it was cowardly and sent a “bad message”.

Badenoch called on the government to intervene and told the museum to “do what is necessary” to keep the event going. He said: “Jewish Culture Month is aimed at promoting awareness and celebration of Jewish culture in the UK. This decision is doing the exact opposite. The government says it wants to combat anti-Semitism, it should tell public funded institutions such as the British Museum to do what is necessary to start the event.”

Broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti said that the result was “the elimination of Jews and Jewish events in Britain, at home.” It is very embarrassing.

David Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, said that while he had “no doubt that everyone has acted in good faith” at the museum, he did not agree with the decision to suspend it.

“This is the wrong decision, at the wrong time, and it sends the wrong message,” he added.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “deeply regrettable that people wanted to deliberately disrupt the Jewish cultural month celebration of Jewish culture”.

The organization added: “We will not allow the actions of extremists to stop the British people from enjoying themselves.”

Earlier this month there was a lot of security outside the show in east London and tell the stories of those who attended the Nova festival which was attacked by Palestinian terrorists on 7 October 2023.

Jewish Culture Month was launched this year by the Board of Deputies as a month-long celebration of the contribution of Jews to British life, and involves more than 100 events across the country featuring music, food, literature, comedy and history.

Participating institutions include the V&A, Tate and Southbank Centre. The British Museum has not said which groups are believed to be planning the protests, or whether police advice played a role in the decision.