British Museum postpones Jewish culture month lecture over protest fears
The British Museum has postponed a lecture for Jewish culture month due to concerns about potential disruptions from protesters. The event, which was set to discuss ancient Israel and Judah, will be rescheduled for a later date. Critics, including political leaders and cultural commentators, have expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision undermines free speech and the celebration of Jewish culture.
- ▪The British Museum postponed a lecture on ancient Israel and Judah over fears of protest disruptions.
- ▪The event was part of the first Jewish culture month in the UK, running until June 16.
- ▪Critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have condemned the decision as a retreat from supporting Jewish cultural discussions.
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| Original publisher | the Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/may/28/british-museum-postpones-jewish-culture-month-lecture-over-protest-fears |
| Publication time | Thu, 28 May 2026 15:55:42 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-28T16:36:43.906Z |
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The British Museum said it had been informed that a ‘significant proportion’ of the registered attendees were ‘individuals intending to deliberately disrupt the event’. Photograph: A Astes/AlamyView image in fullscreenThe British Museum said it had been informed that a ‘significant proportion’ of the registered attendees were ‘individuals intending to deliberately disrupt the event’. Photograph: A Astes/AlamyBritish MuseumBritish Museum postpones Jewish culture month lecture over protest fearsDecision draws criticism from some commentators and free speech advocates as well as Tory leader, Kemi BadenochNadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondentThu 28 May 2026 11.55 EDTFirst published on Thu 28 May 2026 08.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe British Museum has postponed a lecture…
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