The Metropolitan Police is facing accusations of failing to intervene after pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered outside an Israeli restaurant in Notting Hill on Friday evening.
Around 50 protesters, operating under the banner of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, descended on Miznon restaurant on Elgin Crescent – the seventh time the establishment has been targeted, according to a spokesman.
Videos circulating online appeared to show a substantial police presence remaining stationary across the street while activists chanted slogans including “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
One demonstrator was heard proclaiming the “right to resist by any and all means necessary.”
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of chants intended to stir up religious hatred, with the protest dispersing shortly afterwards. He has since been released on bail.
David Goldstein, managing director of TSC Hospitality, speaking on behalf of the restaurant, was clear in his condemnation.
“This is not legitimate protest; it is targeted harassment driven by antisemitism,” he said. “We have been singled out because we are an Israeli business.”
Staff at the venue have reportedly faced racist abuse, including being called “murderers.”
The Metropolitan Police is facing accusations of failing to intervene after pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered outside an Israeli restaurant in Notting Hill on Friday evening
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“Antisemitism is surging, and it is unacceptable that Jewish and Israeli-owned businesses in London are being threatened in this way,” Mr Goldstein added. “We will not close our doors.”
The Home Office has responded by announcing £28million to protect Jewish places of worship, schools and community centres.
A spokesman confirmed the Home Secretary has ordered an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation to ensure police have adequate powers to keep communities safe from intimidation.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, was left seething by the online footage, saying: “We saw the police stand by as protestors called for ‘armed resistance by any means’ outside an Israeli restaurant in Notting Hill.
Police could be seen watching in videos posted online
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“Yet another example of harassment and incitement to violence against Jews and law-abiding people on our streets.”
Mrs Badenoch argued that “hatred thrives when authority shows weakness” and urged the Home Secretary to deliver on promised police powers to tackle such protests.
“We must do more (and quickly) to combat the rise of antisemitism, incitement to violence, and public support of terrorism on our streets,” she added.
Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore also voiced his dismay, writing on X that he was “shocked to see this disgraceful scene” and that “this should not be happening.”
The group surrounded the Jewish restaurant Miznon
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Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has defended how officers handled the demonstration, saying he takes “very seriously how Jews in London feel and how the behaviour of protesters influences that.”
Sir Mark insisted the force is dedicating more resources to policing protests than at any point in its history, while trying to balance the right to lawful demonstration with protecting the wider community.
The commissioner faced calls to resign in 2024 after officers threatened to arrest an “openly Jewish” man walking through an anti-Israel protest, warning his presence could inflame tensions.
Last year, Sir Mark dismissed accusations of “two-tier policing” as “disingenuous.”
The Met Police said: “A protest by the International Jewish Antizionist Network took place outside a restaurant on Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill on Friday, 9 January.
“Officers were present as part of a policing plan to ensure people can exercise their right to protest peacefully, while ensuring that those in the wider community can go about their lives without serious disruption.
“A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of chants that constituted acts intended to stir up religious hatred and the protest disbanded shortly after the arrest was made. The arrested individual has since been bailed.”