British Museum stormed in protest over sponsorship by Israeli settlement funder

LONDON, Sept. 14 (YPA) – Pro-Palestinian activists stormed the Great Hall of the British Museum in London on Monday, coinciding with the opening of the “Bayou Textile” exhibition, in protest against the sponsorship by billionaire Igor Tolchinsky, after it was revealed that he had been linked to funding projects in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

This came after an investigation by Middle East Eye revealed that Tolchinsky had funded a community center in the Efrat settlement in the West Bank, which is subject to British sanctions. He also provided the exhibition with an estimated £5 million in support.

The group “Ban Energy for Palestine” called for the museum to end its partnership with BP and stop accepting funding from fossil fuel and arms companies. Activist Leila Azad said, “The museum is partnering with billionaires who invest in illegal settlements despite the sanctions.”

Green Party leader Zach Polanski called on the government to investigate whether the sponsorship violated sanctions.

It should be noted that Tolchinsky also manages an investment fund in Israel for military technology used in Gaza.