Met Police denies making decision to cover Holocaust memorial during pro-Palestinian march

met police denies making decision to cover holocaust memorial during pro-palestinian march

The Holocaust memorial in Hyde Park was hidden under a blue tarpaulin as anti-Israeli demonstrators gathered in central London – HOLLIE ADAMS/REUTERS

Scotland Yard has denied being responsible for a decision to cover the Holocaust memorial in Hyde Park during Saturday’s pro-Palestinian march in central London.

The monument, a tribute to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis, was hidden under a blue tarpaulin as tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Metropolitan Police, which has faced criticism from the Jewish community over its handling of pro-Palestinian marches, denied ordering the monument be covered, insisting Hyde Park officials had taken the decision.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “The decision to cover the memorial was taken by park authorities, not the police.”

A Royal Parks spokesman said: ”During demonstrations and major events, the Royal Parks works closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of park users and its environment. In the past, this has included protecting memorials. We will continue to be informed on our approach by the Metropolitan Police.”

It is understood the memorial, unveiled in 1983 and the first in Britain dedicated to the memory of those who died in the Holocaust, was covered to negate the risk of it being vandalised.

Lord Mann, the Government’s adviser on anti-Semitism, described the precaution as “sad but necessary to avoid further offence to the Jewish community”.

The peer said he had advised police and the parks authority that the Holocaust memorial be protected. No other monuments in Hyde Park were covered up on Saturday.

met police denies making decision to cover holocaust memorial during pro-palestinian march

The monument was unveiled in 1983 and was the first in Britain dedicated to the memory of those who died in the Holocaust – Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing/Getty Images

Lord Mann said: “We could take the risk that it would get defaced with the likes of placards and cause additional offence to the Jewish and other communities. It would have been nice if the organisers [of the march] stopped to pay their own respects at the memorial.”

But other anti-Semitism campaigners expressed dismay at the move. Noemi Ebenstein, an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor, said: “It is shameful. Seeing this, it feels like they are winning. Those who are Jew haters, those who are Holocaust deniers, they are winning because we are afraid of them.”

Jonathan Sacerdoti, the broadcaster and anti-Semitism campaigner, said: “The people most in need of seeing Holocaust memorials are those who today strike fear into the hearts of many Jewish people with their presence on our streets.

“Members of the mob which every weekend threatens the world’s only Jewish state, who falsely accuse Jews of genocide, are the very people who need such reminders of where demonisation and hatred of Jews has lead in our recent history.

“Perhaps the police and Royal Parks authority ought to put up more Holocaust memorials along the route of the marches, rather than cover them up.”

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: “Covering up a Holocaust memorial is a new low. At every turn, the authorities seem to be trying to keep Jews and anything Jewish out of sight to appease these mobs.

“When we organised our march against anti-Semitism, we were told that there was no way that our route could pass along a road owned by the Royal Parks.

“Now, for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Royal Parks seem to have allowed the march to enter Hyde Park proper, culminating at a huge stage, and for good measure it seems that they have covered up the Holocaust memorial.

“A fortnight ago police tried to remove Gideon Falter for being ‘quite openly Jewish’. Now the Royal Parks seem to be hiding a memorial for quite openly commemorating the murder of six million innocent Jews.

“This abject spinelessness on the part of the authorities will not end with sacrificing the rights of Jews. Those in power need to stand up to this hatred before it’s too late.”

met police denies making decision to cover holocaust memorial during pro-palestinian march

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took part in the 13th organised march to have taken place since Oct 7 – HOLLIE ADAMS/REUTERS

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took part in the 13th organised march to have taken place since Oct 7.

The protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. On Saturday, demonstrators were met by a counter-protest near Piccadilly, organised by the Enough is Enough group, which is critical of the Met’s approach.

Two men from the main demonstration were arrested. One man with a placard bearing a swastika was detained in Parliament Square, police said.

The second was arrested as he passed the counter-demonstration for shouting “a racist remark towards those in the Enough is Enough protest”, according to the Met.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles – and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

OTHER NEWS

10 minutes ago

Legendary Channel 5 quiz show has been 'shelved' with its future in doubt as iconic host confirms he has not filmed an episode for over a YEAR

13 minutes ago

Loretta Lynn's granddaughter Emmy Russell honors her on 'American Idol': Watch

14 minutes ago

Video: Over in a flash! Britain's fun in the sun draws to a close as clear skies and 27C heat make way for thunderstorms and torrential rain

14 minutes ago

Video: Over in a flash! Britain's fun in the sun draws to a close as clear skies and 27C heat make way for thunderstorms and torrential rain

14 minutes ago

Video: Wife of American soldier jailed in Russia claims she saw his local girlfriend stab him during video call with their six-year-old daughter

14 minutes ago

Video: Moment blood-thirsty mob surround suspect Shaquan Cummings, 30, as he's arrested after 'slashing a girl, 11, in the head with a box cutter'

14 minutes ago

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is now barred from entering nearly 20% of her state, report says

14 minutes ago

Seven companies granted royal warrants from Queen - so how much could their price premium be?

14 minutes ago

Hollyoaks star reveals they have QUIT acting and moved to the countryside for a fresh start in heartfelt video

15 minutes ago

Why Isn't The Toyota Century Sold In The US & What Kind Of Engine Does It Have?

15 minutes ago

Gal: Radical change Blues need after Cleary injury

15 minutes ago

Insider details Lakers' timeline for new coaching hire

15 minutes ago

Women Who Win: Edwina Forest talks building a global brand and celebrating success

15 minutes ago

Take the long view like a farmer to harvest more from your money

15 minutes ago

Ben Askren: If Alex Pereira fights Jon Jones, ‘there’s a chance it’s over in like two and a half minutes’

15 minutes ago

Shah: BJP will emerge as single largest party in south after polls

15 minutes ago

IMSA Laguna Seca: Porsche beats Cadillac after last-gasp Tandy pass

15 minutes ago

‘I never doubted them but we had to leave our demons behind us’ – Glenn Ryan on Kildare’s sensational start

15 minutes ago

Lok Sabha polls: In UP, BJP sticks to traditional base, Samajwadi Party shifts focus to OBCs

15 minutes ago

Rudy Moreno, 'Godfather of Latino Comedy,' dies at 66

15 minutes ago

NT police to receive $90 million boost in Lawler government's pre-election 2024 budget

15 minutes ago

Pope Francis to sit down with 60 Minutes

15 minutes ago

Biden to Quadruple Tariffs on China EVs, Offer Solar Exclusions

18 minutes ago

E-Mersion Media collapses: Brutal way staff were notified they were sacked after Melbourne-based startup entered liquidation

18 minutes ago

This miracle cleaner from Coles transformed soap scum-covered shower screen - and it only cost $2.75

19 minutes ago

Graphic footage of the alleged stabbing attack on a bishop will be unlocked at 5pm today after judge ruled out extending a ban in a temporary victory for Elon Musk

19 minutes ago

Channel Nine's Today show stars pay tribute to late entertainment reporter Sam Rubin after colleague's shock death at 64

19 minutes ago

Farmer Wants A Wife's Bert is set to QUIT and his secret girlfriend off-screen revealed after shock exit

19 minutes ago

Moment blood-thirsty mob surround suspect Shaquan Cummings, 30, as he's arrested after 'slashing a girl, 11, in the head with a box cutter'

21 minutes ago

What the papers say – May 13

21 minutes ago

Rose Zhang erases 3-shot deficit with 4 late birdies to capture second LPGA title; Nelly Korda T-7 in bid for sixth straight

21 minutes ago

SNP finance probe heading to prosecutors 'within weeks', says police chief

21 minutes ago

Britain safer in Tory hands, Rishi Sunak to say

21 minutes ago

Enter Emily English: The Instagram nutritionist on everyone’s radar

22 minutes ago

Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

22 minutes ago

Fires used as weapon in Sudan conflict destroyed more towns in west than ever in April, study says

25 minutes ago

Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi is punched in the face in a random attack in NYC

25 minutes ago

This miracle cleaner from Coles transformed soap scum-covered shower screen - and it only cost $2.75

25 minutes ago

Matthew Perry fans are left 'weeping' and 'heartbroken' as tragic Friends star is honoured at the BAFTA Television Awards: 'What a beautiful moment'

26 minutes ago

Stars of Holly Willoughby's new Netflix survival show Bear Hunt 'are warned over dangers of rabid bats and deadly snakes as they film in Costa Rican jungle'

26 minutes ago

South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Sunday, 12 May

26 minutes ago

Characters From Horizon Zero Dawn That Should Appear In Horizon 3

26 minutes ago

Surfers' tribute Aussie brothers killed in Mexico

26 minutes ago

Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal: Man Utd improved but underwhelming as Arsenal secure nervy win

26 minutes ago

Fans flock to Stade Saputo as 'Messi Mania' arrives in Montreal: 'This is just crazy'

26 minutes ago

Biden and Trump split screen: "Unhinged" and "Hannibal Lecter"

28 minutes ago

Asia markets largely lower as investors assess China inflation data, await Japan GDP print

30 minutes ago

Hundreds dead in Afghanistan after flash flooding

30 minutes ago

Link between productivity and wage growth temporarily severed – think tank

30 minutes ago

Vusumuzi Vilakazi revels in victory against Orlando Pirates

31 minutes ago

Delta, B.C.’s community plan faces opposition

31 minutes ago

Mock draft roundup: Lakers targeting instant contributors

31 minutes ago

Korda’s streak ends as Zhang rallies late to beat Sagstrom in Founders Cup

31 minutes ago

Knicks Make Embarrassing NBA Playoff History in Game 4 Loss to Pacers

31 minutes ago

Smoke from Canadian wildfires reaches US, Minnesota under air quality alert

32 minutes ago

Dubbo Show is disrupted after cops uncover disturbing stab list naming children as young as eight as targets

32 minutes ago

Station Street, Wollongong: Man is charged with murder after body found in carpark

32 minutes ago

Victoria Beckham shares a family photo as she celebrates Mother's Day in the United States and expresses joy over being a mother of four: 'I love you all so much'

33 minutes ago

De Paul stunner fires Atletico past Celta towards top four finish

33 minutes ago

Jayson Tatum Gives Honest Review Of Celtics' Mindset Following Game 3 Win

33 minutes ago

Here's who won big at the 2024 BAFTA TV Awards

33 minutes ago

Why this luxury brand is sticking by slow-selling sedans

33 minutes ago

Sea at Brighton turns a murky brown colour

34 minutes ago

DWP gives PIP claimants three month warning as major changes are revealed

34 minutes ago

Magic Johnson cherished winning first game as Lakers head coach: "I enjoyed it more than I thought I would"

34 minutes ago

Victor Wembanyama explained dark matter during his Rookie of the Year press conference

34 minutes ago

William Saliba marshals champion defensive unit to keep Arsenal in race

34 minutes ago

How to clean your TV screen

34 minutes ago

Rory McIlroy eagles from bunker in final round masterclass to win Wells Fargo Championship

34 minutes ago

Archive: As 19-Year-Old Maple Leafs Rookie, Ellis Wowed Toronto Teammates And Opponents

34 minutes ago

Braves Fall an Out Shy of MLB History… Again

35 minutes ago

Duke students walk out of Jerry Seinfeld commencement amid wave of graduation anti-war protests

39 minutes ago

Horse racing-Derby winner Mystik Dan expected to run in Preakness Stakes

39 minutes ago

Santana's three-run homer lifts Twins over Jays in Manoah's best start of the year

39 minutes ago

'It's been a while' - Rob Cross delighted after ending PDC title drought at Baltic Sea Darts Open

39 minutes ago

GOP Sen. JD Vance says he will accept results if 2024 election is 'free and fair'

39 minutes ago

Albanese government ‘running the right strategy’ to ensure inflation moderates

39 minutes ago

Un-jammable quantum technology takes flight to boost UK’s resilience

39 minutes ago

Mining and gas chiefs issue warning of sector’s fragility

40 minutes ago

Skenes strikes out 7 in debut, Pirates hit 5 homers in 10-9 victory over the Cubs

40 minutes ago

Staggs ready for Origin shot as Cleary adds to NSW woes

41 minutes ago

Tyla wears sand dress at 2024 Met Gala, gets lifted up stairs: See all the photos

42 minutes ago

Asia markets set for mixed open as investors assess China inflation data, await Japan GDP print

44 minutes ago

Dancing On Ice star Sonny Jay welcomes his first child with girlfriend Danielle Peazer as they share a video of their newborn baby daughter

44 minutes ago

Video: Stacey Solomon puts on a leggy display in a strapless gown after skipping the star-studded red carpet at the BAFTA Television Awards 2024

44 minutes ago

Video: Hollyoaks star reveals they have QUIT acting and moved to the countryside for a fresh start in heartfelt video

44 minutes ago

'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' reigns at the box...

44 minutes ago

Video: Diddy and his family present a united front on Mother's Day weekend with group dinner at Miami restaurant Mr. Chow amid ongoing legal drama

44 minutes ago

Britain's Got Talent fans beg someone to give Bruno Tonioli a hug as he breaks down in floods of tears while watching a blind opera duo with an incredible story

44 minutes ago

Never mind faux-royal, Harry and Meghan's tour of Nigeria was decidedly presidential: IAN GALLAGHER in Lagos lifts the lid on the Duke and Duchess' jam-packed visit

44 minutes ago

Kate Lawler reveals she's in couples therapy with husband of two years Martin as she vows to keep the passion alive after having daughter Noa

44 minutes ago

No. 2 Cornerback In California Chuck McDonald Announces Top Four Schools

44 minutes ago

Paul Merson refuses to change Arsenal title prediction as Roy Keane admits his 'doubts' were wrong

45 minutes ago

‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ Review: Damsels’ Dresses in Distress at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

45 minutes ago

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From THX 1138

45 minutes ago

George building collapse death toll on 20

45 minutes ago

Actress Liz Carr says it hurts to hear her younger self say ‘I’d rather be dead’

45 minutes ago

Happy Valley wins big at 2024 BAFTA TV Awards as The Crown is snubbed - see the full list of winner!

45 minutes ago

Dana White: 'WWE PLEs Will Move Back to Sundays in TKO Brand Weekends'

45 minutes ago

Arsenal seek to channel two of their most famous wins in title defining trip to Man Utd