British Museum postpones lecture on ancient Israel over security concerns
The British Museum has postponed a conference on ancient Israel to mark Jewish Culture Month due to security concerns.
Middle East Department head Dr. Paul Collins would give a talk about ancient Israel and share information about objects that illustrate the political and cultural forces that shaped the region more than 2,000 years ago.
This event was being organized as part of the UK’s first Jewish Culture Month, which runs until 16 June.
However, less than 24 hours before the event at the BP Conference Hall, the museum announced It was postponed to a later date that has not yet been decided.
In a statement, bosses said they had been informed that a “significant proportion” of registered attendees intended to disrupt the event.
This comes as tensions remain over Israel’s actions in the Middle East and attacks on Gaza continue despite a ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas last year.
Israel says its attacks are in response to Hamas abuses or threats to its soldiers, but Palestinian health officials say many civilians were among the dead.
In Britain, the conflict led to regular pro-Palestinian marches in London attended by tens of thousands of people.
A statement from the British Museum said: “In recent days, we have been informed that a significant number of registered participants are individuals who deliberately intend to disrupt the event, prevent others from participating in good faith and undermine the purpose of the programme.
“The British Museum is fully aware of the importance of lawful protest and freedom of expression in a democratic society. Equally, we have a responsibility to ensure that events held at the museum can proceed safely, securely and without any threat to speakers, staff and visitors.
“Following discussions with organizers and security partners, a joint decision was made to postpone the event to a later date when it can take place in an environment that appropriately protects both the audience experience and the integrity of the programme.”
The museum said it will continue to support Jewish Culture Month by providing a space where history, culture and science can be explored “uninterrupted.”
The museum’s statement was shared on X by former chancellor George Osborne, the current president of the British Museum.
In response to X post, BBC historian and presenter Simon Schama said it was “absolutely the wrong decision” and sent a “terrible message”.
