London's New Year's Eve firework display has sparked backlash after viewers claimed the Star of David was missing from a projection of the Israeli flag. Social media users accused the BBC and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of deliberate antisemitism, pointing to what they described as a white flag with two blue stripes but no Jewish symbol.
However, a spokesperson for City Hall denied the symbol was removed, stating the animated flags were small and moving, making them unclear at times. The spokesperson added that other flags, including those for Guatemala, Argentina and Honduras, were also affected.
Former Israeli spokesman Elyon Levy posted on X that he had checked the footage and the Star of David was indeed missing, calling on Mr Khan to explain. Multiple social media users expressed outrage, with some claiming the omission was intentional.
The spokesperson said: 'The Star of David was not removed ... A range of flags were displayed ... to represent the wide variety of countries of origin of people who live in and contribute to the success of London.' The display aimed to gradually form into the Union Flag.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the UK following the return of activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah and a recent deadly antisemitic attack in Australia. Antisemitic incidents in the UK have surged since the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, with 4,296 recorded in 2023.
