Major London Israel celebration postponed amid security fears

The biggest pro-Israel event in the UK this year has been postponed amid security fears.

More than 1,000 people had already booked tickets for A Night to Honour Israel, which was due to have brought together Christian and Jewish supporters of the country in central London later this month.
But organisers, Christians United for Israel UK, said it had taken the “difficult decision” to receiving “independent advice”.

Executive director Des Starritt, in an email to supporters, said: “Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our event was set to take place. Although no specific threat has been received, we have been advised that our event could be a target.

“It is with wisdom and not fear that the leadership takes this responsibility for the protection of those that would attend, bearing in mind this would be the largest pro-Israel event of the year with both Christians and Jews meeting at a location just a short distance from the two recent London attacks.”

He added that security levels had already been stepped up even before the latest attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market.

Starritt added: “We are determined that the impact of Islamic extremism will not win. We are resolved to confront it through our work and over the next few weeks you will see more activity from CUFI in addressing some of these challenges. The roots of the threat currently facing this nation is the same that Israel has faced for years. Our standing with Israel against radical Islam is crucial at this time, as is standing with our country as it comes to terms with its impact.”