UK
Jewish history exhibition considered too ‘risky’ to open
Fury over decision by Bournemouth council to postpone the show
September 5, 2025 14:17
Fury over decision by Bournemouth council to postpone the show
September 5, 2025 14:17A museum in Bournemouth has been hit with criticism after it postponed a Jewish art exhibition over "potential risks".
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, which is run by the local council, had been set to open the Waves of Change: Jewish Life in Bournemouth 1880 – 2020 exhibition on November 25.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council documents stated: "The museum is hosting an exhibition on the Jewish community of Bournemouth which is part of a project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and researched by the Jewish Communities of Bournemouth to record their history for future generations."
The display had been set to run for four months until March 2026.
However the council decided to postpone it, saying: “In planning all exhibitions, we carefully assess any potential risks.
“We recognise this is a sensitive time and due to requirements related to this event, the museum has decided to postpone the exhibition and is working with the organisers to reschedule it for a later date.”
Anti-racism group Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) responded saying: “When British institutions cower to threats from a mob over the rights of law-abiding communities to share their stories and celebrate their positive contribution to British life, what has happened to British values?
"The council and museum must urgently explain themselves [...] There is no guarantee that this exhibit will go ahead at a later date.”
Nine antisemitic incidents were reported in Dorset last year and last month a swastika was daubed on a rabbi's home.
Chabad Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz said that he had been taking his children to synagogue when he noticed the symbol.
He said: "Obviously when we went out on Saturday morning and saw the swastika, it was very disturbing and very alarming.
"I can understand why many people feel a sense of fear and are asking for the authorities to do everything in their ability to offer more protection."
As of 2021, there were 1,601 Jewish people in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in Dorset.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council was contacted for comment.
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