Palestine House, the UK's largest Palestinian cultural centre in Holborn, central London, hosted two speakers at a 'Lessons of Resistance' panel event last Thursday who have openly celebrated the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Latifa Abouchakra and Batool Subeiti, both controversial activists, praised the attacks as a 'moment of triumph' and 'unprecedented revenge', according to a Metro investigation.
Speakers' Background and Remarks
Abouchakra, a presenter on the banned Iran-backed channel PressTV, told viewers on October 7 that the violence was 'the homecoming of at least 1,000 Palestinians from the resistance factions into the fragile Zionist entity'. In an Instagram post, she said: 'Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment, this moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise, this moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity.' ITV News previously apologised for platforming her without disclosing her background.
Subeiti, a regular contributor to Press TV and the Tehran Times, described the attacks as 'unprecedented revenge' in a now-deleted social media post, praising their 'initiative', 'timing', and 'creativity and execution'. She also appeared to share an allegedly anti-Semitic image on social media in July 2024 showing a child being stabbed by a Star of David-shaped trident. The Jewish Chronicle reported that Subeiti and her sister travelled to Lebanon in July 2024 to meet Hezbollah leader Muhammed Raad.
Event Details and Reactions
The event, co-hosted with Shia student society Absoc for Justice, explored how the death of Imam Hussain in 680CE continues to inspire resistance. However, the choice of speakers drew sharp criticism. The Community Security Trust (CST) called their involvement 'deeply troubling'. A CST spokesperson said: 'It is deeply troubling when individuals who have praised the October 7 terrorist attacks or have a record of alleged antisemitic activity are given platforms at public events in the UK. Nobody should be celebrating or glorifying the atrocities of October 7.'
Nivi Feldman, who leads the UK branch of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, told Metro: 'It is heartbreaking that individuals who have publicly celebrated the terrorist attacks that murdered the greatest number of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust are being given a platform and presented as role models.' A spokesperson for the Jewish Leadership Council said organisations that 'host extremist views' must be held to account.
Palestine House's Response
Palestine House defended its decision, stating: 'Palestine House exists because Palestinians are living through a genocide and a man-made famine in Gaza... The event explored the historical and religious significance of Imam Hussain; it was not organised to endorse the personal views of any individual. We do not vet every opinion expressed by hundreds of individuals who pass through our events each year.' The centre rejected all forms of racism and hatred.
Abouchakra and Subeiti said in a joint statement that they were victims of a harassment campaign. The Muslim Student Council, which oversees Absoc for Justice, was contacted for comment.
