The British Museum cancelled a lunchtime lecture on Ancient Israel and Judah scheduled for May 28, citing credible threats that a sizable contingent of registrants intended to sabotage the session. Dr. paul Collins, Keeper of the Department of the Middle East, was to lead the discussion as part of Jewish Culture Month, but the museum opted to postpone rather than risk intimidation of speakers or attndees.

Security Alert Triggers Postponement of May 28 Lecture

According to the museum’s ticketing team,an email sent to ticket holders warned that “a significant proportion of registered attendees were individuals intending to deliberately disrupt the event.” The notice came after the museum’s security partners identified a coordinated plan to interfere , prompting officials to defer the talk until a safer environment could be guaranteed.

Dr. Paul Collins’ Planned Coverage of 900‑50 BC Power Shifts

Dr. collins was set to examine how political, cultural, and imperial forces reshaped the Levant between 900 and 50 BC, highlighting the collapse of the Canaanite civilization and the rise of Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, and Seleucid empires. He also intended to discuss the emergence of the Judean dynasty (141‑37 BC) and showcase key inscriptions and monuments from the museum’s collection.

Board of Deputies Calls Cancellation “Highly Regrettable”

The Board of Deputies of British Jews issued a statement calling the postponement “highly regrettable” and pledging that extremist actions would not silence Jewish cultural events. They affirmed a commitment to work with the museum to reschedule the lecture as soon as possible.

Historian Simon Montefiore Labels the Situation “Dark Times”

Historian Simon Montefiore described the cancellation as “dark times” for public discourse, noting that the museum’s decision underscores growing pressures on academic forums addressing contentious historical narratives.

Unanswered Questions About the Disruptors

Who exactly comprises the group planning the disruption remains unclear, as does whether any legal action will be taken against them. The museum has not disclosed whether any arrests were made or if the threat originated from a particular organization.