British Museum Delays Jewish Culture Month Talk, Reschedules It for Early June After Protest Fears
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 28
British Museum Delays Jewish Culture Month Talk, Reschedules It for Early June After Protest Fears
8 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 28
The British Museum pulled a Thursday Jewish Culture Month lecture on ancient Israel and Judah after saying a significant share of registered attendees planned to disrupt it, then said the event would instead be held early next month.
The museum said the postponement was meant to protect the talk rather than diminish it, and that revised arrangements will include stronger security measures and a livestream because demand is expected to be high.
Jewish groups and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the delay, with the Board of Deputies calling it highly regrettable and the Campaign Against Antisemitism saying extremists had effectively forced a cancellation.
The lecture is part of the first nationwide Jewish Culture Month, launched with more than 100 events from May 16, against a backdrop of antisemitic attacks in London that helped push the terror threat to severe.
How can Britain protect Jewish culture without silencing protest over the Palestinian issue?
When cultural events face threats, is cancellation the new price of ensuring public safety?
Can the archaeology of ancient Israel ever be presented without igniting modern political conflict?