The UK has condemned the actions of a violent mob of about 20 anti-Israeli protesters who staged a riot at London’s King’s College during a talk by former Shabak head Ami Ayalon Tuesday night, Jewish News reported. The group set off fire alarms, broke a window, threw chairs and physically attacked Esther Endfield, who hosted the event. The Ayalon talk, attended by an audience of about 60, ended early, for fear that the mob would set the place on fire.
Communities Minister Baroness Williams tweeted: “Appalled to hear reports of violent protests at Kings College Israel Society meeting yesterday. Totally unacceptable.”
Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson told Jewish News: “Britain and Israel share many important academic links and speakers must be able to address meetings peacefully. Our universities should be safe spaces for students to expand their minds, and there can be no justification for violent intimidation that curtails free speech.”
King’s College principal, Professor Ed Byrne, has ordered an investigation, and a police spokesperson said “officers are investigating an allegation of assault and criminal damage at a protest. No injuries were caused or arrests made and our inquiries continue.”
A spokesperson for King’s College said: “The safety of our students, staff and the general public is paramount to us and we are committed to acting as a responsible organization. We have launched an urgent investigation of the events on Tuesday night to establish what happened and what action might need to be taken as a consequence. We do not, and will not, condone the use of any form of violent protest.”
The Union of Jewish Students said in a statement: “There can be no justification for these events. The Israel society was hosting an event about peace and were greeted by violence and intimidation.”
The Israeli Embassy in the UK said in a statement: “The violence at King’s College London, during an event with Ami Ayalon, is shocking and shameful. It reflects the fear that groups centered around hatred of Israel harbor toward those who promote dialogue and a peaceful solution in our region.”