In a developing story out of east London, a prominent theatre is under scrutiny following accusations of bias against Jewish-related events. The Jewish Community Council (JCC) has filed a formal complaint with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), urging them to investigate the Troxy Theatre over allegations of adopting an ‘anti-Jewish’ stance since the attacks on October 7.

The controversy centers around several event rejections, including a scheduled show in January that aimed to support the Yachad Foundation. This organization is known for its work with local orphans and disadvantaged children. The JCC claims the booking was denied solely due to the Jewish background of the event organizers.

Among other rejections were a charity event benefiting Crohn’s and Colitis Relief, which primarily aids the Jewish Ashkenazi community, and a concert by American Jewish singer Benny Friedman. These cancellations have fueled the council’s concerns over potential discriminatory practices at the venue.

In response to these allegations, the Troxy Theatre has defended its decisions, stating that the events in question did not align with their established criteria for risk and safety assessments. The theatre maintains that these protocols are in place to ensure the security and well-being of all planned events, not to discriminate against any particular group.

An event for Crohn’s and Colitis Relief, a charity which mainly supports the Jewish Ashkenazi community, and a concert by American Jewish singer Benny Friedman were among the events also rejected by the venue.

However, the Troxy has insisted these events were denied because they did not meet the criteria for their risk and safety assessments for planned events. 

The theatre, which can hold up to 3,000 attendees, has also held an LGBTQ+ Jewish event amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza after October 7. 

Troxy has also previously hosted two Jewish singers, once in 2011 and again in 2013.

Troxy theatre (pictured) has been reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission amid claims from the Jewish Community Council that Jewish-related events are being rejected

Rabbi Levi Schapiro, who is the director of the JCC and the Yachad Foundation director, has sent a complaint letter to the EHCR amid the allegations. 

In the letter, seen by the Telegraph, he claims he was personally refused hire of the theatre ‘without justification other than the Jewish identity of its organisers.’ 

He claimed it was ‘blatant discrimination’, further alleging Troxy’s owners had not explained why their local events, unrelated to Israel, were being refused. 

‘This pattern of behaviour has understandably caused widespread anger and deep concern among the local Jewish community,’ it read. 

Mr Schapiro has also alleged he was told by staff at the venue that they ‘do not accept Jewish bookings’.

The JCC claims it has evidence suggesting both owners and management at Troxy ‘adopted a discriminatory policy’ against Jewish events. 

They say it will be lodged with the EHRC. 

In October, a Gig for Gaza was held at the Troxy, which included stars such as Paloma Faith and Paul Weller, and over £125,000 was raised for humanitarian aid in the war-torn enclave.

However, the Troxy has denied the accusations, branding them as ‘entirely false’ and ‘without foundation’. 

Managing director, Tom Sutton-Roberts, managing director of the Troxy, explained the Benny Friedman concert had not met their risk assessment criteria because the singer hadn’t previously held a concert for around 2,000 to 2,500 people.

As a result, he was unable to supply the theatre with previous venue references.    

Mr Sutton-Roberts also added that the Yachad Foundation gala and the Crohn’s Collitis Relief were meant to be held together. 

However, neither could go ahead, as the Yachad Foundation event was ‘high risk’ as he claims organisers told him the event was in solidarity with Israel. The JCC has refuted this allegation.

The managing director also highlighted how the venue had held several Jewish events in recent years, including two LGBTQ+ Buttmitzvah parties since October 7. 

Mr Sutton-Roberts told The Telegraph: ‘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 Daily Mail has approached the EHRC and the Troxy Theatre for comment.