Dear Trustees,
The Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) writes to express the profound concern of the Palestinian community in the UK and its absolute rejection of the British Museum’s recent measures to remove or obscure the name “Palestine” from historical materials and galleries related to the region’s heritage. We view this as a troubling act of historical erasure that contradicts the museum’s professional and ethical responsibilities.
As one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, the British Museum carries a duty to present history with accuracy, integrity, and independence from political pressure. Reports indicate that these changes were made following complaints from a pro-Israel legal group, and that the museum has described the term “Palestine” as politically sensitive in certain contexts. Such justifications are deeply concerning. Cultural institutions should not alter historical language or public interpretation under political lobbying, particularly when it results in the marginalisation of an already dispossessed people.
The removal or obscuring of the name “Palestine” is not a neutral curatorial adjustment. It contributes to a wider pattern of erasing Palestinian identity, heritage, and historical presence from public narratives. For Palestinians, the name “Palestine” represents more than a geographic label; it embodies a living culture, a collective memory, and an unbroken connection to the land.
At a time when Palestinian cultural sites, archives, and institutions are under unprecedented threat, such actions by a globally respected museum risk legitimising the erasure of Palestinian history and identity. This undermines public trust in cultural institutions and raises serious questions about the role of political pressure in shaping historical representation.
The Palestinian Forum in Britain calls on the British Museum to:
● Immediately reinstate the name “Palestine” in all appropriate historical and geographic contexts.
● Engage with Palestinian historians, archaeologists, and cultural experts to ensure fair and accurate representation.
● Reaffirm its commitment to independent scholarship free from political interference.
The British Museum’s credibility as a global institution depends on its fidelity to historical truth and its respect for the cultures and peoples whose heritage it holds. We urge you to review this decision without delay and take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the museum’s commitment to fairness, accuracy, and cultural responsibility.
Sincerely,
Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB)
Monday 16 Feb 2026
