The symbol used in modern times by many Jews is called by the name Magen David in Hebrew. It is incorrectly translated into English as “Star of David”. The proper translation is Shield of David. See the post: Regarding the Parochet (ark curtain) that has upon it the shape of a Magen David, if there is any concern about this: why the incorrect translation might have halachic implications.
Source of the quotation below: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/416463
The author of this quotation Stephen M. Flatlow uses the flawed translation of Magen David in his opinion piece. Here is an excerpt of his words:
Something chilling happened in London this week – something that should worry not only British Jews but Jews everywhere.
A Jewish lawyer was detained by London police after wearing a Star of David necklace at a pro-Palestinian rally. Officers reportedly described the Jewish symbol as a “possible antagonistic emblem or sign.” He was held for around ten hours under questioning.
Pause on that for a moment. A Jewish symbol – one worn daily by millions of Jews worldwide – was treated by British law enforcement as a provocation.
This is not happening in Tehran or Ramallah. This is London, 2025.
The Metropolitan Police claimed the lawyer was not arrested because of the necklace but for “breaching” protest-zone restrictions separating pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators. Yet even the police acknowledged that the Star of David itself was flagged as a flashpoint.
Would they have said the same if it had been a cross, a hijab, or a Sikh turban?
For Britain’s Jewish community, this incident touches a raw nerve: a symbol of Jewish faith was treated as something dangerous. It raises the question of whether the state sees Jewish identity as something to protect – or to manage.
The detained lawyer put it bluntly:
“It is outrageous that police should claim wearing a Star of David somehow antagonizes (sic) people. In an environment of antisemitism, I will not be cowed by this.”
This isn’t the first time British police have treated visible Jewish identity as a “problem.”
In April 2024, Gideon Falter, head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was stopped while walking home from synagogue in London. An officer told him his “quite openly Jewish” appearance could “provoke a reaction.” The Met later apologized – but the damage was done.
The message received was unmistakable: being visibly Jewish in public is now treated as a liability.
Daniel Sugarman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that many in the community “feel extremely disturbed” by weekly marches that include “deeply disturbing slogans and antisemitic signs.”
Even UK Interior Minister James Cleverly felt compelled to weigh in, saying: “No one should feel unsafe due to their religion.”
And yet, Jews in London increasingly do.
For the ultimate solution for the problem described above, see the article:
Rabbi Yissachar S. Teichtal (H”YD) A Victim of the Holocaust, Explains Why Hashem Let It Happen