London police investigate spate of weekend anti-Semitic attacks

London police are investigating at least five attacks against the city’s Jewish community. 

London police announced Sunday the launch of an investigation into a number of hate crimes of an “anti-Semitic nature” reported over the past few days by residents of the Borough of Barnet, a suburban neighborhood in North London.

“At this early stage, it is not known whether the offences are linked, but officers are keen to speak with anyone who has any information regarding the crimes or who may have been a victim,” the police stated.

The attacks include criminal damage to property and the use of offensive language aimed towards the Jewish community.

On Friday afternoon, police were called to Daws Lane following the discovery of offensive graffiti on a recycling bin and a bollard.

Later that evening, a Jewish woman was walking along Edgwarebury Lane when eggs were thrown at her from a passing car. Although nothing was said to the victim, it was considered a hate crime, police said.

The following day, police were called to Hillside Gardens in Edgware, where a brick was thrown through the window of a residential property during the early morning hours. A number of anti-Semitic comments and swastikas were scrolled on it.

Several hours later, police were called to an address on Watford Way following reports that a swastika had been drawn in condensation on a window.

The fifth anti-Semitic incident occurred Sunday at Islington Station, where a Star of David was found daubed on the poster for the movie “Denial” about Holocaust denier David Irving.

“Officers are carrying a number of inquiries into these incidents and are in the process of examining footage from CCTV cameras,” police stated.

Officers also boosted their presence and will conduct reassurance patrols in the area, where they “would welcome the opportunity to speak with anyone who has any concerns.”

“Whilst there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that these offences are linked, it is of great concern that members of our local community are being targeted in this way,” stated Inspector Justin Zitver of Barnet Borough. “The Met is committed to working with our partners, to tackle all types of hate crime including the use of anti-Semitic language. Together, we can make every effort to hold the offenders to account.”

There have been no arrests to date.

Gary Ost of the Jewish community’s volunteer Shomrim (Hebrew for “Guardians”) security group stated that “these cowardly anti-Semitic attacks targeted Jews when they were asleep in their homes or walking with their families after dinner. These attacks are intended to instill fear in London’s Jews. The best response to these disgusting acts is to ensure that the perpetrators are caught.”

The UK’s Jewish community experienced a surge in anti-Semitic attacks in the past six months, while expressions of Jew hatred on social media are becoming widespread, a report from August shows.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News

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