A solidarity event to welcome cyclists raising awareness and money for Palestinian children suffering from the Israeli occupation was blocked by TH Council over fears they could be breaching a misguided definition of antisemitism.
The Big Ride 4 Palestine event was to be held in the borough with cyclists completing a 36m bike ride from Kensington to Bethnal Green on Saturday 27 July.
TH Council withheld the real reason for preventing one of their venues being used, however, subsequent release of emails between Council staff revealed in the Guardian show concerns over the definition of anti-semitism according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition.
TH Palestine Solidarity warned of the potential misuse of the IHRA.s definition in preventing free speech and legitimate support and campaigning for the Palestinian cause prior to the Council adopting it, but were ignored.
The full Guardian article can be read here. The letter to the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, from Palestine Solidarity Campaign in protest can read here. A response from Free Speech on Israel can be read here.
Newham & Tower Hamlets PSC 