Organisers of a prayer walk in a Jewish area of north London claim police pressured them to cancel it because a mass pro-Palestine march was taking place seven miles away.
Christian Action Against Anti-Semitism called off the event when officers warned that participants could be “injured or intimidated” in Golders Green.
The group, behind Pray for Israel and the Jewish People, expected up to 30,000 people and said they felt “silenced” by the police.
A pro-Palestine rally attended by up to 100,000 people went ahead in central London on Saturday.
Hayley Ace, of Christian Action Against Anti-Semitism, said it had originally planned to pray for peace and for the Jewish community outside the Israeli embassy.
Ms Ace said the organisation received an urgent call from the Metropolitan Police on Thursday saying that the event had gone viral and was being portrayed as an attack on Muslims.
In a follow-up email a police sergeant reportedly said: “Your planned event on Saturday was picked up by an individual and retweeted. It received a lot of views.
“Unfortunately, we have now identified tweets calling on ‘brothers’ to make their way to Golders Green on Saturday.
“This would clearly present a threat to your event. I understand your frustration but you have made the right decision to cancel your event.
“The police do not want anyone to be injured or intimidated regardless of their beliefs.
“Please put out the cancellation within your own social media groups as soon as possible.”
Ms Ace told the Daily Telegraph: “Our first response was outrage, because we have a right to gather and feel safe on the streets of London, especially as we are gathering around a banner of peace.”
She was disappointed hatred towards the Jewish community shown by some at the pro-Palestine rally was “allowed to be the voice that London heard and saw when there are a lot who don't feel that way, who want to pray for peace, who do stand with the Jewish people”.
Scotland Yard said: “In the days since the attacks in Israel took place, officers have worked to facilitate numerous demonstrations, vigils and other gatherings across London.
“Ahead of a planned vigil in Hendon on Saturday, October 21 by Christian Action Against Antisemitism, officers were in discussion with the organiser to discuss timings and route they would take.
“As with any event, the police offer guidance and advice. Following those discussions, a decision was made by the organiser to cancel the vigil.”
