British Museum Postpones Jewish Culture Month Lecture Over Protest Concerns

The British Museum postponed a Jewish Culture Month lecture on the ancient history of Israel and Judah scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The museum said it acted after being informed that a significant proportion of registered attendees intended to deliberately disrupt the event.

The museum stated the postponement was made to protect the event and not to diminish it. In an updated statement issued Thursday afternoon, the museum announced the rescheduled lecture will take place early next month with booking details to be published on its website shortly.

The museum said it expects strong demand and will offer a livestream to make the event accessible to a wider audience. It added that a respectful and secure environment for visitors, speakers and colleagues remains its highest priority.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews launched the first Jewish Culture Month last year, with more than 100 events taking place across the country. The month began on 16 May. The Board of Deputies of British Jews described the postponement as highly regrettable and said it was working with the museum to reschedule the event.

Reactions from advocacy groups The Campaign Against Antisemitism said the decision showed that once again the antisemitic mob has scored a victory. The group added that in modern Britain you cannot have a Jewish Culture Month. A Conservative Party leader said Jewish acts were being routinely cancelled and called on the government to ensure the event could go ahead.

The lunchtime talk was due to be led by the keeper of the Department of the Middle East at the British Museum.