Activists Slam British Museum for Hosting ’Israeli’ Independence Event

By Staff, Agencies

On the evening of Tuesday, May 13, members of the anti-imperialist climate organization Energy Embargo for Palestine (EEFP) staged a protest outside the British Museum after learning it was hosting a concealed event commemorating “Israeli Independence Day.”

The occasion marks the establishment of the "Israeli" entity, an event Palestinians commemorate as the Nakba, the catastrophe, marking over 77 years of forced displacement and ethnic cleansing.

According to EEFP, the British Museum did not publicly disclose the event to staff, members, or visitors. That said, insider sources indicated the event was organized by "Israeli" dignitaries to celebrate the "founding of Israel."

The Museum has so far refused to respond to activists’ and journalists’ multiple inquiries regarding the event.

During the demonstration, Mara Adam of EEFP stated, "It is not lost on us that this "Israeli" celebration event is taking place on the evening of May 13th, coinciding with Nakba week, when Palestinians were expelled from their lands."

According to the press release, it is unconscionable for a British public institution like the British Museum to host an event in celebration of "Israel", an entity currently perpetrating war crimes and genocide in Gaza.

Activists held banners reading “British Museum, cut ties with 'Israeli' genocide” and “War criminals out of public institutions”, demanding the Museum reveal full details of the event, including its attendees and why staff were not informed.

Due to the protest, guests were escorted through the Museum’s back entrance.

EEFP also renewed its demand that the Museum end its partnership with BP, a company they accuse of fuelling genocide in Palestine.

The protest was supported by organizations such as the Palestinian Youth Movement, Workers For a Free Palestine, Sisters Uncut, Queers For Palestine, and Artists and Culture Workers London.

A Zionist counter-protest was organized by Stop the Hate and Our Fight UK, in collaboration with the Israeli embassy and the Metropolitan Police.

The police presence was significant, with officers surrounding the Museum and barricading the pro-Palestine protesters.