The British Museum has postponed a key lecture planned for Jewish Culture Month in London due to concerns over possible disruptions. The event, titled “Ancient Israel and Judah,” was scheduled for Thursday at the museum’s BP Lecture Theatre, with Dr. Paul Collins, head of the Middle East department, as the speaker. The museum stated that it received information indicating that a significant number of registered participants intended to deliberately disrupt the event, raising safety and security concerns.

The lecture was part of the United Kingdom’s first-ever Jewish Culture Month, running until June 16, and was expected to explore the archaeology and history of ancient Israel and Judah, including events such as the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon and the Maccabean revolt. The museum emphasized its commitment to free expression and peaceful protest but said the safety of staff, speakers, and visitors must come first.

The decision sparked mixed reactions. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move as sending the wrong message about combating antisemitism, while historian Simon Schama called it regrettable. Meanwhile, the group Jewish Artists for Palestine questioned labeling dissent as a security threat, warning it could be seen as pro-Zionist propaganda.