Woman Filmed Removing Ribbons from London Memorial Sparks Outrage

A woman was filmed cutting down yellow ribbons from a memorial dedicated to Israeli hostages in Muswell Hill, north London, on the morning of October 2, 2023. This incident occurred just one day before the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.

Witnesses reported the woman removing the ribbons from railings surrounding a garden, sparking immediate anger among onlookers. Some attempted to intervene, expressing that the act was disrespectful to the memory of the victims. The unidentified woman reportedly claimed that the memorial was “condoning genocide,” a statement that drew sharp criticism from those present.

Miranda Levy, a Jewish resident who witnessed the incident, described her feelings of anger and frustration. “These ribbons are to remember people who have been kidnapped and kept underground,” she said. Levy emphasized the importance of the ribbons as a memorial and a reminder of the ongoing situation faced by the hostages.

In an exchange captured on video, Levy confronted the woman, who insisted her actions were not criminal. “If I am then call the police. You call the police and you let them know that you have an issue with this,” the woman stated, unfazed by the backlash. Witnesses voiced their disdain, labeling her conduct as “disgusting,” while the woman countered that she found supporting what she termed as genocide to be equally repugnant.

Yellow ribbons have come to symbolize hope and the desire for the safe return of those who are missing or held captive. Since 2023, they have been prominently displayed in Israel and elsewhere as a show of support for hostages and their families.

Levy highlighted the significance of the anniversary of October 7, urging the public to remember those still held captive. “Just for tonight and tomorrow, just think about these hostages, whatever you think of the rest of the conflict,” she stated. “There are people who are being held in the most horrendous conditions.”

Following the incident, the yellow ribbons were re-tied to the railings on Fortis Green Road. Levy noted that another witness reported the incident to the police, highlighting that while the act may not have been illegal, it was profoundly immoral and insensitive.

The attack on October 7, 2021, resulted in the kidnapping of 251 individuals and the deaths of around 1,200 people. Currently, it is believed that Hamas is holding 48 hostages, with only 20 of them reported to be still alive.

The Metropolitan Police have been approached for comments regarding the incident, which has raised questions about freedom of expression and the impact of public memorials in times of conflict. The situation underscores the heightened sensitivities surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its effects on communities in the UK and beyond.