British Museum postpones Jewish culture month lecture over protest fears

A British Museum lecture scheduled for Thursday on ancient Israel and Judah was postponed to a later date. The event was planned for the BP lecture theatre and would have been delivered by Dr Paul Collins, focusing on archaeology and history through artefacts held by the museum. The programme also aimed to cover events such as the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Maccabean revolt. The postponement occurred less than 24 hours before the event after the museum was informed that many registered attendees intended to disrupt the event. The museum stated it supports lawful protest and freedom of expression, but it must ensure safe, secure events without intimidation. Jewish Culture Month continues until 16 June with a space for history, culture, and scholarship without disruption.

"The British Museum announced that the talk on ancient Israel and Judah, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, would be held at a later date yet to be decided. The talk in the museum's BP lecture theatre was due to be given by Dr Paul Collins, keeper of the Middle East department, and was expected to examine the archaeology and history of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah through artefacts held by the museum. It was also expected to touch on other historical events such as the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Maccabean revolt, and was organised as part of the first ever Jewish culture month in the UK, which runs until 16 June."

"However, less than 24 hours before the event, the museum said it would be postponed. In a statement, the museum said it was informed that a significant proportion of the registered attendees were individuals intending to deliberately disrupt the event, preventing others from participating in good faith and undermining the purpose of the programme. The British Museum fully recognises the importance of lawful protest and freedom of expression in a democratic society. Equally, we have a responsibility to ensure that events hosted within the museum can proceed safely, securely and without intimidation for speakers, staff and visitors alike."

"The museum added that after discussions with organisers and security partners, a joint decision was taken to postpone the event to a later date when it can take place in an environment that properly safeguards both the audience experience and the integrity of the programme itself. It said it would continue to support Jewish culture month, with a space provided where history, culture and scholarship can be explored without disruption."

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