Scotland Yard has ordered the Jewish Anti-Zionist Network to cease its weekly demonstrations in the North London neighbourhood of Swiss Cottage, citing concerns over hate speech and intimidating behaviour.
The Metropolitan Police announced on Wednesday that the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) would no longer be permitted to stage protests every Friday in the area, which is home to a significant Jewish population. The demonstrations, which began on 7 October 2023—the same day Hamas launched an attack that killed 1,200 Israelis—have continued weekly on the Jewish Sabbath, sparking distress among local residents.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart said:
“We have seen instances of hate speech and intimidating behaviour. These protests take place in the heart of a community with a significant Jewish population, on the eve of the Sabbath and at a time when fear and concern linked to a rise in antisemitic hate crime is increased. It is our position, after careful consideration, that the only way to prevent that level of disruption in this case is to use our powers to require the protest to take place elsewhere.”
Under new public order conditions, demonstrators are now barred from assembling in an area stretching from Regent’s Park to West Hampstead along Finchley Road.
Residents and community leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about the protests, describing them as “psychological torment” and alleging that they are intentionally designed to provoke and intimidate. The demonstrations have been held near multiple synagogues and community centres, often coinciding with times of worship and family visits.
In February, the Met had previously required IJAN to relocate its protests to outside Scotland Yard’s headquarters in Westminster, a move that temporarily calmed tensions. However, the group returned to Swiss Cottage last week, prompting a strong counter-demonstration.
That counter-protest was organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and Stop Hate UK, drawing significant support and renewed calls for stronger police action.
Andrew Gilbert, vice-president of the Board of Deputies, welcomed the new restrictions. He said:
“By deliberately holding demonstrations in close proximity to several synagogues and on Friday nights, when many Jews attend prayer services and walk to visit family and friends, IJAN have broken this delicate balance. They have chosen to distress and intimidate the local Jewish community with outrageous and at times directly threatening conduct.”
He added that community leaders had made repeated efforts to engage in dialogue, but these were dismissed by organisers, who maintained that their protest was aimed at criticising Israeli policies, not targeting Jews.
The Met’s latest move will see officers deployed to Swiss Cottage on Friday evenings to ensure compliance with the new conditions. Those who breach the restrictions could face arrest or other legal consequences.
While the IJAN claims to represent a Jewish anti-Zionist voice, many within the wider Jewish community have rejected their tactics and message. Critics argue that the group has crossed a line between political protest and outright provocation, particularly in a climate of increasing antisemitism across the UK.
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The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitic incidents nationwide, reported a significant rise in hate crimes against Jews following the October 7 attacks. Jewish groups have expressed frustration over what they perceive as slow or inadequate responses from authorities in recent months.
With the new restrictions in place, Scotland Yard is aiming to restore a sense of safety and calm in Swiss Cottage ahead of this week’s Sabbath. Whether the protests will relocate or escalate elsewhere remains to be seen.
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of all Londoners to protest peacefully—but not at the expense of another community’s right to live without fear.
