The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) expresses outrage at the recent stunt at Westfield Stratford, where protesters draped a large Palestinian flag and chanted anti-Israel slogans. This disruptive incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 7, 2024, is a blatant example of unbridled antisemitism and intimidation tactics that have no place in a public shopping centre.
A handful of protesters, their faces covered, used loudspeakers to shout incendiary messages, including “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Starmer, Starmer, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.” The enormous flag, approximately 30 feet long, dominated the central atrium of the East London shopping centre, creating an environment of fear and discomfort for shoppers.
Gary Mond, Chairman of the NJA, stated, “This outrageous stunt is a clear attempt to incite hatred and intimidate members of the public. It is deeply concerning that such actions can take place in a family-centric environment like Westfield Stratford. We demand that Westfield management take immediate measures to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure the safety and comfort of all its visitors.”
The NJA calls on Westfield to implement stricter security measures and protocols to swiftly and effectively handle any future attempts at public disruption. It is imperative that shopping centres remain safe spaces free from political agitation and hate speech.
“The NJA wishes to meet with Westfield management to discuss this incident and the steps that will be taken to prevent such actions in the future,” Mond continued. “We must ensure that such displays of hatred and antisemitism are not tolerated and that appropriate actions are taken to uphold the integrity and safety of public spaces.”
Westfield Stratford, co-founded by Jewish Holocaust survivor and Australian-Israeli businessman Sir Frank Lowy, has a responsibility to uphold its policy of not facilitating protests within its centres. While the centre’s spokesperson stated that the protesters were asked to conclude their event and leave, the NJA believes more proactive measures are necessary to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
The NJA stands firm in its commitment to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety and dignity of the Jewish community. The NJA urges Westfield to take this matter seriously and work with us to maintain a secure and inclusive environment for all.
