A pro-Israeli march scheduled to take place on the streets of north London was cancelled after threats of violence.
Up to 20,000 people were expected to attend a ‘Pray for Israel and the Jewish People’ event where people would have walked in solidarity in Golders Green on Saturday (October 21).
Flyers for the march, organised by the Christian Action Against Anti-Semitism group, said people should bring an Israeli flags or supportive posters and meet at 3pm, before walking together to Hendon Central station via Finchley for final worship and prayer.
However the meet-up was abruptly cancelled just the day before, with the group saying it was “forced” to stop due to the “sheer scale of response”.
On Facebook, the group said that the event had been “sabotaged” by “those wishing to silence our message”.
The post added that “threats of violence” had been made by some anti-Israel groups.
A statement read: “It is with genuine sadness that we acknowledge the forced cancellation of this event, recognising the immense importance it held for our community and undoubtedly for yours.
“We understand the significance of such gatherings, especially during times of shared pain and concern.”
It was added: “The cancellation of this event is not a retreat but a pause to find a more thoughtful approach that balances our desire to be in the public view with the need to ensure #the safety and comfort of all involved.”
A pro-Palestinian march took place in central London on the same day.
Hayley Ace, of the Christian Action Against Anti-Semitism group, said the Metropolitan Police urged organisers to cancel the event two days before and claimed “it felt like a silencing”.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “In the days since the attacks in Israel took place, officers have worked to facilitate numerous demonstrations, vigils and other gatherings across London.
“Ahead of a planned vigil in Hendon on Saturday Oct 21 by Christian Action Against Anti-Semitism, officers were in discussion with the organiser to discuss timings and route they would take.
“As with any event, the police offer guidance and advice. Following those discussions, a decision was made by [the] organiser to cancel the vigil.”
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