A Jewish man has spoken out about feeling unwelcome in London due to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Liahav Eitan explained to BBC News that Israelis and Jews are finding it difficult to live in the city following the 7 October attacks by Hamas, which are making it “pretty unwelcoming”. His comments come after an audience member at a comedy gig at the Soho Theatre complained about being told to leave by the performer, Paul Currie. The theatre has banned the comedian from performing there again and claims that Jewish members of the audience were verbally abused. The incident took place after Currie unfurled a Palestinian flag.
Eitan said he found Currie’s comparison “pretty upsetting”. He was then sworn at by the comedian who shouted after him and his friend when they refused to stand to applaud. The performer then used “swear words” against the Jewish pair. After the gig, Eitan’s situation became “pretty dangerous, pretty quickly” and he felt vulnerable on the streets outside the theatre. He has become so concerned about the situation that since the Hamas attacks he has changed his habits in London, including avoiding the city centre on Saturdays due to pro-Palestinian protests.
Support from the general public following the incident has been “pretty overwhelming and completely in contrast to what we felt at the theatre that night,” according to Eitan. However, he now says he will research the artist before attending any future comedy shows. Another Jewish man who attended Currie’s Soho Theatre performance has also spoken to the BBC anonymously, explaining that he left the event because he felt unsafe. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident
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