It is essential that people have the right to protest, however, no one has the right to intimidate or harass other citizens, including the Jewish community
The Metropolitan Police stated after independent consideration that it was appropriate to prevent the Palestine Solidarity Campaign forming up in the vicinity of a synagogue. They took into account the cumulative impact of this prolonged period of protest, often taking place on Saturdays and on numerous occasions in the vicinity of synagogues. They said "they took the view that a protest forming up so close to a synagogue on a Saturday – the Jewish holy day – when congregants will be attending Shabbat services, risks causing serious disruption."
I am pleased that the police have taken this situation seriously and have responded to what are reasonable concerns. I am aware that a spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), an organisation whose mission it is to promote good relations between British Jews and the rest of British society stated:
“CST and others have been demanding for a long time now that these marches are routed far away from any synagogues, and we appreciate the efforts of the police to ensure that this is the case. It is highly irresponsible and provocative of the PSC to choose this location when they know it causes so much alarm and upset for the local Jewish community."