Protests erupted outside the church on Euston Road on Friday afternoon, as around two hundred demonstrated against Water’s “virulent antisemitism” being allowed in the church.
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Jewish protest organisers said that hosting Waters “is utterly unacceptable, and we must show London that we will not tolerate a church in our city giving stage to such disgusting collection of known Jew haters.”
Campaign group Christian Action Against Antisemitism told the church leader: “Platforming a renowned Jew hater is not only offensive but it is also entirely unacceptable.”
In May last year, German police launched a criminal investigation into Water’s SS-style uniform. Performing in Berlin, he wore a black overcoat with a red armband and aimed an imitation machine gun into the audience.
His solo shows have featured the name of Holocaust victim, Anne Frank, projected onto a screen, and a pig-shaped balloon adorned with the Star of David and various corporate logos.
In September last year, John Ware presented an in depth documentary for the Campaign against Antisemitism which delved into numerous claims of antisemitism levelled against Walters.
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According to the Anti-Defamation League, in a video last month he advocated for the dismantling of Israel as a Jewish state, denied the Jewish connection to Israel, and called on Jews living in Israel to "go back to Eastern Europe, or the United States, or where you came from," adding "Goodbye, Israel. It's over."
Waters is slated to share the church stage on Friday night with British rapper Lowkey, who has called the state of Israel a "racist endeavour", and previously said "nothing is more antisemitic than Zionism."
Tickets for the event, pitted as “a unique concert dedicated to promoting peace, freedom, and justice for Palestine,” have sold out.
There are concerns that hosting Waters could open the door to antisemitism inside St Pancras Church, affiliated to the Church of England.
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One protester who said he is a Pink Floyd fan told the JC, “It is immensely sad that I will be standing outside Roger Waters’ concert today waving the Israel flag, blowing the whistle and hopefully affecting the show he will be giving today. But it is a necessity.
“Like many others, Roger Waters has drifted off into a fashionable ideological attitude.
“All Pink Floyd group members have distanced themselves from Waters a long time ago and whatever he does, both on a personal and a ‘political’ level, is motivated and nourished by a deep-rooted narcissism that is sad to witness.”
In a statement, the church said: “Last month, St Pancras Church was approached regarding a booking for a fundraising concert, in support of the charity Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). The church regularly receives charitable bookings to raise funds for much-needed causes, and it was accepted, although at this stage the event’s programme had not been finalised.
“We recognise now that the programme has greatly offended friends in the Jewish community. This was never our intention and we apologise unreservedly.
“At this stage, with large numbers of people having bought tickets to a charity fundraising event in good faith, we are obliged to honour the booking. We have also received security advice and assessed the public order aspects.
“Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our society, or in our church. We commit to meeting with representatives of the Jewish community to learn more about antisemitism, and to ensure a deeper understanding of concerns of our Jewish friends and neighbours.”
The Church of England has been approached for comment.
