Royal Society of Arts accused of ‘caving in’ to staff who walked out on Israel event

The Royal Society of Arts has been accused of “caving in” to some members of staff who walked out in protest at an event supporting UK-Israel ties.

The day-long programme, hosted by the Israeli Chamber of Commerce (UKIB) on December 14, 2023, looked to create investment opportunities for Israeli companies following Hamas’ attack on the country on October 7.

It featured Israeli president Isaac Herzog, who addressed the conference virtually, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely, and Israeli business leaders.

However, before the event took place, the location was leaked to pro-Palestinian activists - the Telegraph understands - who gathered alongside staff outside the building to protest.

The RSA did not deny this when it was put to them.

Chanting could be heard by those inside of the building, attendees said, and police were eventually called.

Initially, the RSA appeared to side with the protesters by apologising for hosting the event and, in effect, justifying the decision of staff to demonstrate by claiming that the event had been “held by an external client who did not disclose the full event details in advance”.

The society tweeted: “We are an apolitical organisation and have launched an internal investigation. [We] will ensure that robust measures are put in place in the future to ensure this will not happen again.”

A published version of the society’s investigation, released last Thursday (20.6), has been met with criticism by appearing to blame the decision to host the event - not the RSA’s staff - for the disorder.

Key questions answered

According to the report, private booking processes, for example, now ensure that “key questions are addressed” at an early stage, so that the RSA has “as much knowledge as possible” about the proposed event’s speakers and attendees.

Weekly meetings between hospitality management and the society’s executives to “assess the acceptance of future bookings” have also been introduced as “standard practice”.

An “ethical fundraising policy” has also been developed, which “provides a framework” for fundraising decisions on a case-by-case basis depending on the “nature” of the transaction.

There was notably no mention of any repercussions against staff who walked out in protest at the society’s decision to host the event.

Apology

Accompanying the publication of the report’s key findings, the RSA apologised to UKIB for its now-deleted post on 14 December appearing to justify the protestors decision to demonstrate.

The society wrote on X last Thursday: “These posts did not intend to imply that UKIB or its officers had acted in any way inappropriately or deceptively.

“The RSA remains committed to continuing to work with and welcoming into its premises a diverse range of partners and guests from a wide range of countries, backgrounds, religions, faiths and beliefs in pursuit of its social mission, including welcoming Israeli and Jewish organisations such as UKIB.”

A UKIB spokesperson said they “welcomed” the apology, but other groups were unconvinced.

Jonathan Turner, CEO of UK Lawyers for Israel, said: “The summary of the report published by the RSA focuses on booking procedures rather than racist misconduct by its staff. It looks as if they have caved in to threats by activist staff not to serve customers whose race or beliefs they don’t like.

“Although the RSA claims that its new procedures will ensure an open and inclusive approach in line with its values and mission, they are liable to result in its excluding events where there is a threat of racist disruption.”

According to an individual familiar with the dynamics around contentious issues within arts organisations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, there exists a “toxic culture” in some institutions in which “staff are intimidated by a small minority of activist colleagues with no respect for the institution.”

The RSA pointed The Telegraph to its aforementioned statements on the matter when contacted.