DJ demanded Israelis say ‘Free Palestine’ before playing Tel Aviv song at London karaoke bar
EXCLUSIVE: Palestinian-American activist Ahmed Alkhatib condemns incident as “total antisemitism” after witnessing early-hours dispute
Israelis were told to say “Free Palestine” before a DJ would play their song during a karaoke night at a popular London pub, according to Palestinian-American activist Ahmed Alkhatib, who witnessed the incident and challenged it at the time.
The exchange took place in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Munster Tavern, where Alkhatib had arrived with a colleague shortly after midnight.
Alkhatib told Jewish News that the song Tel Aviv Ya Habibi was repeatedly stopped within seconds of starting. At first, he said, it appeared to be a technical issue, but after the song was cut a second and third time, it became clear the interruptions had been deliberate.
When members of the group questioned what was happening, Alkhatib said he approached the DJ directly to ask why the song kept being halted.
“You know what he tells me?” Alkhatib said. “He said, ‘If one of them comes out on stage and says “Free Palestine” out loud, I’ll play it.’”
Alkhatib said he immediately objected, describing the demand as unnecessary and targeted. He said the Israeli group had been “not bothering anyone” and that the episode felt discriminatory.
He added that the incident was particularly troubling because of its wider impact, saying it risked hardening attitudes rather than encouraging understanding or dialogue between communities.
A receipt seen by Jewish News confirms Alkhatib and his colleague were present at the Munster Tavern shortly after midnight on Sunday.
The Munster Tavern was contacted for comment multiple times but did not respond.
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