Security personnel at Heathrow Airport in London attached tags with a Palestinian flag to their uniforms, in an expression of solidarity with Gaza, creating an uncomfortable environment for Jewish and Israeli travelers.
The five Heathrow employees on duty at Terminal 4, inspected the baggage of passengers preparing to board their flight to Tel Aviv. some passengers complained that they felt threatened and uneasy undergoing a security check by the staff members.
Legal advocates in Britain called for an investigation into the event. According to UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), representing Jews and Israelis, the staff violated Heathrow's uniform policy and equality laws by wearing the "highly offensive" tags.
"People responsible for ensuring terrorists don't bomb planes wore tags sympathizing with terrorists," said one traveler. Following the complaints, the security team was replaced, and their tags were removed. UKLFI argued that "wearing these tags created a threatening, hostile, and offensive atmosphere."
A spokesperson for UKLFI stated in the complaint, "It's clear that if the staff wear these tags, it will make most Jewish and Israeli passengers feel uncomfortable and unsafe, especially in the security check area at Heathrow. We would like to know why so many security personnel were allowed to wear such politically offensive tags while violating the airport's policy."
In response, a Heathrow Airport spokesperson said, "Everyone should feel safe and welcome at Heathrow. We have guidelines on what employees can wear at work, and if these guidelines are not followed, we will ensure that these items are immediately removed, as was the case here."