To think we should avoid London right now?

[StayorgoLDN]

Due to visit London in the next few weeks.

Anxious with Palestinian protests and so forth in the news. I don’t want to be near that with young children, and worried that it may escalate to some sort of attack.

We are not Jews, but presuming as the U.K. is supporting Israel that we’ll all be fair game ie there might be an attack/bomb somewhere prominent to send a message to gov.

Have been in London during terrorist attacks before and I’d rather avoid.

AIBU to consider rescheduling our family trip to next year?

There are protests for both Palestine and Israel. Why only mention one?

It's not a war, its terrorism and murder

I live in London, zone 2 so not very central but not far out. I'm avoiding any land marks and major stations for a bit. Especially today after Hamas have called for an international day of terrorism

@Thepeopleversuswork

We have two autistics in the family. If there are loud, rowdy, uncontrolled protests in a lot of places that will cause an issue. As will last minute changes of plan, which may be necessary.

It’s costing a few grand to go, requires massive amounts of prep in terms of disability provision/having a set plan with visual schedules as to where we’re going.

Israel is about to obliterate Gaza and that’s likely to piss off Palestinians and other Arab nations… so I don’t think it’s unreasonable for me to ask the opinion of anyone who lives in London who has lived through issues in the past as to what level of risk they’re perceiving now.

I’ve somehow been involved in two London attacks
I am just going to go about my life as normal
but when terror threats are being paraded on twitter I am probably a bit more anxious than normal as I seem to have a poor track record with such things

The meetings supporting Israel have been quiet, solemn candlelit vigils where people have stood in quiet groups and prayed, and sung mourning songs grieving for the dead.

The pro-Hamas protests have involved hurling fireworks at the Israeli embassy, attacking Jewish people and passersby, jeering at mourners, and cheering on mass murder. There have been multiple arrests for criminal damage and physical attacks.

That's probably why they're worried about one and not the other.

Cant think of a good reason to go to London at any time.

I'm Jewish and live in finchley and I can tell you that it's certainly not normal for us.

Today is supposed to be a "Day of Jihad" across the world.

I’m in zone 1. I can’t change my activities because of it. Personally haven’t been caught up in any protests or anything. It feels very normal but I’m just a bit more anxious than normal that something could happen I guess. I wouldn’t change existing plans but I’d be prepared for protests and things in key locations probably, around parliament or Trafalgar Square etc or by embassies.

Well, I’m in central most days. I can’t avoid it. Nor would I.

Anywhere could be a target. I live in a town that builds nuclear submarines so we could possibly be targeted. I know Putin said he would consider it.

It wouldn’t even occur to me to avoid it tbh! I live here and am going into town today for work. Totally up to you, but I’d say rearranging is totally unnecessary

I work in central London and haven't felt unsafe or even considered whether there's an increased threat. I'm not Jewish though

BlurredEdges you got there before me. How on earth anyone can compare the two is beyond me - the seething overspilling hate aimed at Jewish embassies/Jewish communities where they've had to cancel their children's schooling for fear of violence - versus the peaceful Jewish vigils.

You couldn't make it up.

I've read that there's a funny psychological quirk about humans where people closest to certain risks are actually more likely to underestimate it. People who live just downstream from dams were the example I saw. So ironically Londoners may not the best people to ask about this. Social psychology though so you'd have to take with a large pinch of salt.

Yep, just cycled from my house in South London through South Ken, Soho, Traf Square and into my office in the city and saw nothing out of order other than a lot of rain.

I live in zone 1 at the moment and haven't noticed any change in policing, visible protests or flags being flown either way. There's always a risk of an attack in London, but the chances of it involving you are incalculably small. I haven't been, and don't generally go to, any particularly Jewish or particularly Arab areas in London as part of my weekly routine though.

I do not personally feel any less safe in London compared to last week. I've lived in London for years and it just feels normal to me.

These posts baffle me. You do know children live in London right? It's home to millions of people. What do you think it is, a war zone?

I was a very young child in London in the late 80s early 90s when the IRA were still around. I survived.

You said you're coming in the next few weeks, who knows what the perceived threat level might be like by then. To be honest I haven't felt unsafe although I am sure the Jewish communities would say differently.

From my perception things are carrying on as normal, I would just avoid the embassy area as obviously there will be protests happening there so just moved your accommodation.

I’m really sorry (genuinely)

but the op is not asking a question about your circumstances. I will qualify my statement and say that majority of london (including the areas you would likely visit as a tourist) is completely as normal.

I think if you’re Jewish u must being feeling the tension ! And I am so sorry for that !
Most people probably just carrying on as normal but if your gut instinct is telling u not to go then don’t go !

You are being very overcautious. Statistically terrorist attacks are so rare, compared to travelling in a car - and I bet you don't think twice to drive somewhere,

It must be very stressful being Jewish in London right now .

Just avoid any planned protests, and if you see one - avoid and go elsewhere.