Holocaust Memorial Covered Ahead of Anti-Israel Protest, Sparking Outrage

A Holocaust memorial in London's Hyde Park was covered with a blue tarpaulin ahead of a massive protest against the war in Gaza, prompting outrage and criticism from Jewish groups and local residents. The Metropolitan Police initially denied involvement, but park authorities later confirmed the decision was made in conjunction with the police.

London's iconic Hyde Park became the scene of controversy over the weekend when a Holocaust memorial was covered ahead of an anti-Israel march. The incident has sparked outrage from Jewish groups and local residents, who condemned the move as a shameful concession to protesters.

On Saturday, a large blue tarpaulin was placed over the park's tribute to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The decision was reportedly made by Royal Parks, which manages the park, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police. The authorities claimed the move was necessary to protect the memorial from potential damage or desecration during the protest.

Initially, the Metropolitan Police denied any involvement in the decision to cover the memorial. However, in a later statement, Royal Parks seemed to contradict the police, saying that it had made the decision "in the past, this has included protecting memorials."

Jewish groups and Holocaust survivors expressed outrage over the covering of the memorial. Lord Mann, a government advisor, said he had advised that the memorial be protected, calling it "sad but necessary to avoid further offense to the Jewish community."

Advocacy groups against antisemitism rejected these arguments, claiming that covering the memorial gave in to protesters and sent a message that those who hate Jews are winning. 82-year-old Holocaust survivor Noemi Ebenstein said it felt like "they are winning ... because we are afraid of them."

Local residents also expressed outrage at the ongoing pro-Palestinian rallies and the Metropolitan Police's perceived reluctance to confront pro-Hamas activists. Earlier this month, the police came under fire after a video emerged of an officer threatening to arrest a Jewish man for his "openly Jewish" appearance.

The Metropolitan Police apologized multiple times to the Jewish man and acknowledged that "being Jewish is not a provocation." However, locals remain skeptical of the police's commitment to protecting Jewish communities and preventing antisemitic incidents.

In the wake of the controversy, Jewish groups and local residents have called for action to address rising antisemitism and protect Jewish communities. They have urged the government and police to take a stronger stance against hate speech and violence directed towards Jews.

The covering of the Holocaust memorial has exposed deep-seated tensions within British society and raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish communities. As the pro-Palestinian protests continue, the debate over the appropriate balance between freedom of speech and the protection of vulnerable groups will likely intensify.