A seemingly ordinary Friday evening in Notting Hill took a tense turn as a protest broke out outside Miznon, a popular Jewish-owned restaurant on Elgin Crescent.
Around 50 demonstrators, claiming affiliation with the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, gathered outside, attracting the attention of a substantial police presence.
Protesters Make Their Voices Heard
Footage captured one protester, identifying herself as a local, acknowledging the neighborhood’s diversity before sharply declaring, “Zionists are not welcome in Notting Hill… So get the hell out.”
Others carried megaphones, denouncing Zionism as “really about racism, imperialism, and genocide.”
Chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” filled the street, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Arrest and Police Response
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stirring up racial hatred and later released on bail.
Dozens of officers remained at the scene to maintain order, a response reflecting recent warnings from authorities about pro-Palestine chants such as “globalise the intifada,” especially following high-profile attacks in Manchester and Bondi Beach.
Political Leaders Speak Out
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the demonstration, describing it as “yet another example of harassment and incitement to violence against Jews and law-abiding people on our streets.”
She added that public authorities must act swiftly, saying, “Hatred thrives when authority shows weakness.
We must do more—and quickly—to combat the rise of antisemitism, incitement to violence, and public support of terrorism on our streets.”
Historical Perspective and Public Reaction
Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore also weighed in, expressing shock over the scene and thanking police for their presence, though noting, “This should not be happening.”
Social media reactions reflected wider concerns over repeated targeting of the restaurant, which has previously experienced protests abroad.
A Pattern of Protests
Miznon, founded in 2011 by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani, has locations across the globe, including New York, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, Las Vegas, and Singapore.
Shani, also known for his role as a MasterChef Israel judge, has seen branches targeted by anti-Israel protesters before.
In July, around 20 demonstrators stormed a Melbourne location, throwing chairs, food, and glassware while chanting “Death to the IDF.”
Activists’ Message
The International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network said the Notting Hill protest was part of a long-running campaign aimed at pushing “Zionist institutions and companies” out of neighborhoods.
Activists claim similar demonstrations have occurred weekly or biweekly over the past three months.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police explained that officers were present to balance the protesters’ right to demonstrate with the public’s need for safety.
They confirmed the arrest of the 35-year-old man and noted that the protest dispersed shortly afterward.
Looking Ahead
While the protest ended without further incident, tensions linger.
The incident raises questions about public safety, freedom of speech, and the rising concern over antisemitism in public spaces.
Authorities face the challenge of ensuring demonstrations do not escalate into violence while upholding the right to protest.
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