Rowley Stands by Police Officer and Calls Remarks to Jewish Protester ‘Clumsy’
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acknowledged that an officer used ‘clumsy and offensive’ language towards a Jewish activist on April 13.
Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has admitted that one of his officers’ use of the term “openly Jewish” was deemed as “clumsy and offensive,” although he has defended the officer from criticism.
Gideon Falter, the chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), was threatened with arrest for breaching the peace when he attempted to defy officers who were trying to prevent him from crossing a pro-Palestinian protest in central London on April 13.
During the incident, one officer described Mr. Falter, who was wearing a kippah, as “openly Jewish” and instructed him to wait for a police escort.
Sir Mark mentioned that none of the officers involved will face disciplinary action in the incident.
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“I fully comprehend why the sergeant reached this decision. Some phrases used were indeed clumsy and offensive… and we have extended our apologies for that,” he remarked.
‘Wider Actions and Intent of the Officer Were Professional’
Sir Mark emphasized, “The officer’s broader actions and intentions were professional and aligned with the finest traditions of British law enforcement working to avoid disorder.”
He elaborated, “The public would be appalled if we stood back and allowed a potential conflict between these two groups to escalate. We took preventive measures to avert such a scenario by acting proactively.”
However, Mr. Falter released a statement on Monday stating, “Police should be safeguarding those deemed at risk, not threatening them with arrest to placate potential violent racists.”
Sir Mark held meetings with Home Secretary James Cleverly and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Monday.
Mayor Khan, who appointed Sir Mark following the removal of his predecessor Dame Cressida Dick in 2022, expressed his full confidence in the commissioner.
On Monday, the Community Security Trust (CST) and the London Jewish Forum met with Sir Mark and Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who oversees public order policing, to discuss concerns regarding the safety of the Jewish community.
The CST is advocating for a decrease in the number of pro-Palestinian protests allowed in central London, which Mr. Falter has criticized as “anti-Israel demonstrations.”
‘Cumulative Impact of Repeated Anti-Israel Protests’
The CST remarked, “We will continue our discussions with the police later this week to express our concerns about the cumulative effects of frequent anti-Israel protests causing disruption and intimidation within the Jewish community.”
They added, “Sir Mark has assured me that he will communicate this issue to all segments of the community promptly. The Met is now focused on providing reassurance, learning from this incident, and ensuring the safety and peace of mind of Jewish individuals in London. I support them in this crucial mission.”
Mr. Falter has pledged to attend the next pro-Palestinian march and has urged other Jews to join him.
He believes that these marches are inherently anti-Semitic.
In the footage of the April 13 incident, the officer, who remains unidentified, told Mr. Falter, “You are clearly Jewish, and this is a pro-Palestinian march. I’m not accusing you of anything, but I am concerned about the reaction to your presence.”
Mr. Falter responded by saying, “The Metropolitan Police asserts that these marches are perfectly safe for Jews, with no issues at all.”
He added, “Are you telling me that I cannot walk on the other side of the pavement? Do I need your escort?”
The officer reassured him, “I will assist you by escorting you over there to ensure your complete safety, just as we promised. We are keeping our word.”
PA Media contributed to this report.
