Issued 16 June 2019

Due to the continued incitement of hate and murder against the attendees of the Al Quds Day march by Zionist groups and their neo-Nazi allies, IHRC would like to provide the following guidance to participants of this year’s Al Quds day march:

1. Counter demonstration: The Police have confirmed that like last year, this year’s counter demonstration consists of a coalition of Zionist groups, the far-right and neo-Nazi groups. As we have seen from last year, despite claims by the Zionists that they are all distinct groups, in practice they are all part of the same counter demonstration, coordinating their efforts to disrupt a lawful event. If you are approached by counter demonstrators, please do not engage or communicate with them, even if they initially appear friendly. Their intention is to disrupt our rally, engaging them gives them the attention they seek.

If you hear the Zionist and fascist counter-demonstrators shouting racist chants like they have done in the past, please direct the attention of the police to the chanters. If you are able to do so safely, please film the incident and contact IHRC. Alternatively alert an IHRC Steward or Observer.

If they become violent, or aggressive, as they have done in the past, please, move away to a place of safety. Direct the attention of police and our stewards to those who are using violence. If you are able to do so safely, please film the incident and contact IHRC.

• Be vigilant: If you see any suspicious activity please report it to one of our stewards or to a police officer.

• If you feel unwell during the procession, please contact one of the stewards. Our stewards will get you the support you need.

• Flags: participants are welcome to bring flags that show solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Flags displayed to show support for any proscribed (illegal) organisation will not be allowed. 

Based on advice from the police and lawyers, please be aware that flying the Hizbullah flag could lead to you being arrested as it may be interpreted as support for a proscribed group, as Hizbullah is now a proscribed organisation. Please also note that any public action or statement that is in support of a proscribed organisation can lead to you being arrested. 

Flags flown to show support for any proscribed organisation will not be allowed. If we see people waving flags to show their support for any proscribed organisation our stewards will ask for the flags to be taken down and for the individuals to leave the march.

We are always reviewing the law and will keep this advice updated as and when the law changes. 

• Journalists: If you are approached by a journalist and are not comfortable talking to them, please direct them to one of the stewards who will put them in touch with a member of our media team.

Our stewards will be walking alongside the rally, wearing blue or yellow bibs. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to approach them.

To find more information about Al Quds Day 2019 in London please click here.