6/8/2014 - Tricycle Theatre refuses to host this year's UK Jewish Film Festival

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has brought on a wave of bad news to the annual UK Jewish Film Festival - some might say predictably. The Tricycle Theatre in North London, which was supposed to screen 26 of the films in the festival's selection, has announced that it refuses to host the UKJFF as long as it is backed by the Israeli Embassy in London.

Jonathan Levy, chairman of the Tricycle Theatre in North London explained his position in writing. "“Given the present situation in Israel/Palestine, and the unforeseen and unhappy escalation that has occurred over the past three weeks, including a terrible loss of life, The Tricycle cannot be associated with any activity directly funded or supported by any party to the conflict. The Tricycle will be pleased to host the UKJFF provided that it occurs without the support or other endorsement from the Israeli Government.”

Organisers of the festival have already expressed shock and sadness over their decisions, and the reply came from Judy Ironside MBE, founder and executive director of the UKJFF. She said “We pride ourselves on showing a diverse programme of films, which present a comprehensive view of international Jewish life and Israeli films are of course an important part of that. We have always sought to convey a wide perspective on the conflicts in the Middle East and initiate open dialogue with our audiences and guest speakers; and the Israeli Embassy have always supported us in this. The Tricycle have refused to take this into account in their decision.”

The Tricycle's decision to refuse to host the UK Jewish Film Festival has inevitably caused quite a stir. Stephen Pollard, editor of the Jewish Chronicle, has used the word "antisemitic" to describe the Tricycle's actions, while they have been endorsed by such people as filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson - himself of Jewish descent.