British Museum Postpones Jewish Culture Month Lecture Amid Protest Concerns

The British Museum delayed a lunchtime lecture on ancient Israel and Judah, scheduled for 28 May, after receiving “credible information” that a sizable share of registrants intended to disrupt the event. Director Nicholas Cullinan said the museum moved the talk to early June to protect speakers, staff, and visitors while preserving the program’s integrity.

British Museum Draws Criticism for Postponing Lecture on “Ancient History of Israel and Judah”

Jewish Culture Month, organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, runs from 16 May to 16 June and includes over 100 events at venues such as the Tate and Victoria and Albert Museum. Earlier in 2026 the British Museum was criticised for allegedly removing the term “Palestine” from gallery labels, a dispute that resurfaced during the lecture postponement.

British Museum director responds to pushback after Jewish Culture Month event postponed

The museum estimated that between 25 % and 50 % of ticket holders were likely to disrupt the lecture. Up to half of the registered attendees were identified as potential protesters. Thousands of other visitors, including school groups, were expected in the building at the scheduled time.

BM director defends postponement of Jewish Culture Month event

The museum emphasized its responsibility to ensure events proceed safely while respecting lawful protest. Cullinan described the decision as “stewardship, not censorship,” and affirmed the museum’s commitment to presenting the full breadth of human history. A museum statement clarified that the term “Palestine” remains in many displays and on the website.

British Museum Draws Criticism for Postponing Lecture on “Ancient History of Israel and Judah”

Kemi Badenoch argued the museum should “do what’s necessary to put this event on,” asserting that the postponement undermines Jewish Culture Month’s purpose. Simon Schama warned the move “sent a terrible message” about free expression. Jewish Artists for Palestine contended that a publicly funded museum should host “different points of view” and questioned framing the postponement as a security issue.

BM director defends postponement of Jewish Culture Month event

Some reports claim the museum removed “Palestine” after pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, while other investigations found the edits preceded the advocacy group’s February letter. Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot has called for foreign-office intervention, describing the changes as an “erasure” of history.

BM director defends postponement of Jewish Culture Month event

• “the event was not cancelled. It was postponed. That distinction matters.” — Nicholas Cullinan, Director, British Museum

British Museum Draws Criticism for Postponing Lecture on “Ancient History of Israel and Judah”

• “freedom of expression does not require institutions to provide a platform for disruption” — Nicholas Cullinan

The Guardian

• “Jewish Culture Month is meant to promote awareness of and celebrate Jewish culture in the UK. This decision achieves precisely the opposite.” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party Leader

British Museum Draws Criticism for Postponing Lecture on “Ancient History of Israel and Judah”

• “terrible message.” — Simon Schama, historian

British Museum Draws Criticism for Postponing Lecture on “Ancient History of Israel and Judah”

The rescheduled lecture will be delivered in early June and livestreamed. The museum will continue its Jewish Culture Month programming while monitoring security concerns. Ongoing public debate is expected to influence future policies on protest management and the presentation of contested historical subjects in publicly funded institutions.

The Guardian