No-go zone: Shul warns members to avoid demonstration area

A Luton synagogue has advised its members to avoid the area of a pro-Palestinian demo tomorrow.

Luton United Synagogue has recommended that its members avoid the Bury Park area of town tomorrow, as a pro-Palestine demo will take place from 2pm.

“The police wish members of our Community to be aware of this demonstration, and we are advising that you should stay away from this area,” an email sent to members states.

Police say a number of similar rallies have passed without incident, and they expect the same tomorrow.

The rally is set to take place at 2pm, near Crescent Hall. A cavalcade of cars through the town is then slated to follow.

It is set to take place two miles away from the shul.

Officials at the synagogue sought to reassure members, saying they had no information to suggest a concern, and that the advice had been circulated as a precaution.

They added that Luton had “good community relations”.

“We are appalled at some of the rhetoric we have seen on social media in discussions about tomorrow’s protest and stand with faith leaders from all communities in Bedfordshire against all forms of racism and discrimination,” it said.

Chief Inspector Jamie Langwith, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “We have been liaising with the organisers of a planned protest in Luton town centre tomorrow (Saturday) to provide advice and support to enable those attending to carry out their legal right to a peaceful protest, while ensuring Covid-19 safety measures are in place.

“Our Community Cohesion team is linked in with leaders from the local Jewish community to provide reassurance and to talk through any concerns they may have about the protest.

“We have had a number of similar events take place within the town over the last few weeks, which have passed off peacefully without any issues and we are anticipating the same again.”