An east London theatre is facing an official probe from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after serious allegations emerged that it has been systematically rejecting events linked to the Jewish community.
The Allegations: A Pattern of Rejection
The Jewish Community Council (JCC) has formally requested the EHRC to investigate the Troxy theatre, claiming the venue has adopted what they describe as an "anti-Jewish" policy following the October 7 attacks. According to the JCC, several Jewish-related events have been refused booking, including a January show supporting the Yachad Foundation, which aids local orphans and disadvantaged children.
The charity asserts the booking was denied specifically because of the organisers' Jewish background. This pattern allegedly extends to an event for Crohn's and Colitis Relief—a charity predominantly supporting the Ashkenazi Jewish community—and a concert by American Jewish singer Benny Friedman.
In a complaint letter seen by The Telegraph, Rabbi Levi Schapiro, director of both the JCC and the Yachad Foundation, stated he was personally refused hire of the theatre "without justification other than the Jewish identity of its organisers." He labelled the situation "blatant discrimination" and claimed a staff member at the venue told him they "do not accept Jewish bookings."
The Theatre's Defence: Risk and Safety Concerns
The Troxy, a venue capable of holding up to 3,000 attendees, has vehemently denied all accusations, branding them as "entirely false" and "without foundation." Management insists the events were declined solely because they failed to meet the criteria for their risk and safety assessments.
Tom Sutton-Roberts, Managing Director of the Troxy, provided specific justifications. He explained that the Benny Friedman concert was rejected because the singer could not supply previous venue references for a event of its proposed scale (2,000-2,500 people). Regarding the Yachad Foundation gala, which was planned alongside the Crohn's and Colitis Relief event, Sutton-Roberts claimed organisers informed him it was "in solidarity with Israel," making it a "high risk" event. The JCC has refuted this characterisation.
Contradictions and Community Impact
Amidst these conflicting accounts, the theatre points to its history of hosting Jewish events. It has held two LGBTQ+ Buttmitzvah parties since October 7 and previously hosted two Jewish singers in 2011 and 2013. However, this is contrasted with the venue's hosting of a 'Gig for Gaza' in October, featuring stars like Paloma Faith and Paul Weller, which raised over £125,000 for humanitarian aid.
Rabbi Schapiro's letter emphasises that the rejected events were local and unrelated to Israel, and that the alleged policy has "understandably caused widespread anger and deep concern among the local Jewish community." The JCC claims it possesses evidence of a discriminatory policy and will lodge it with the EHRC.
Mr Sutton-Roberts maintains the venue's commitment to inclusivity, stating: "We do not operate under any discriminatory policies or viewpoints when hosting events organised by any faith group, including those within the Jewish community. We remain firmly committed to being an inclusive venue and have hosted numerous Jewish community events over the years." The outcome of the EHRC's investigation is now awaited.
