She appeared to suggest memorial was ‘condoning genocide’, as she took the action on eve of 7 October attacks anniversary
This is the moment a woman was filmed cutting down yellow ribbons from a memorial for Israeli hostages in north London.
The unidentified woman was spotted removing the ribbons from railings around a garden in Muswell Hill on Monday morning, on the eve of the second anniversary of the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel.
Witnesses attempted to stop the woman, who appeared to suggest the tribute was “condoning genocide”. They told The i Paper the incident had been reported to police.
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Miranda Levy, who is Jewish and has been living in north London for 20 years, said she was on her way to a coffee shop when she came across the scene.
She said: “I felt angry, furious. These ribbons are to remember people who have been kidnapped and kept underground.
“This is a memorial, a way of reminding the world that this is still going on. Yes, there are innocent people dying in Gaza because of a horrible war, but you are not helping anyone by coming out to Muswell Hill and cutting down a memorial a day before the anniversary of a terrible thing.”
Ms Levy began filming the woman and confronted her to ask what she was doing.
In the footage, the woman can be heard responding: “I’m not committing a crime. If I am then call the police. You call the police and you let them know that you have an issue with this.”
Witnesses branded her ‘disgusting’ as she suggested the memorial was ‘condoning genocide’ (Photo: Miranda Levy)
In response to being called “disgusting”, the woman replied: “I think condoning a genocide is disgusting.”
Yellow ribbons have been used to represent hope and desire for the safe return of a loved one who is missing or held captive. Since 2023, they have been worn in Israel, and more widely, as a symbol of support for the hostages and their families.
Ms Levy said that the anniversary of 7 October should be a time to remember those still held by the terrorist group.
She added: “Just for tonight and tomorrow, just think about these hostages, whatever you think of the rest of the conflict, there are people who are being held in the most horrendous conditions.”
The ribbons have since been re-tied to the railings (Photo: Miranda Levy)
In total 251 people were taken hostage during the 7 October attacks and around 1,200 people were killed.
At present, Hamas are believed to be holding 48 hostages. It is thought that only 20 of them are still alive.
The yellow ribbons have since been re-tied on the railings around the garden on Fortis Green Road.
Ms Levy said that another witness reported the woman to the police. She added: “To me, it was more immoral and insensitive than illegal.”
The Metropolitan police have been approached for comment.
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