According to reports in the media, three synagogues, a private home, and a Jewish school were defaced with human waste in an antisemitic hate crime.
By Rachel Avraham
In a disturbing wave of antisemitic vandalism, three synagogues, a passageway, a school and a private home in Golders Green, northwest London, were defaced in recent weeks, according to the Jewish community organization Shomrim, Yedioth Achronot reported. According to the report, reports indicated that human waste was smeared on synagogue walls, entrances, and a private residence.
Detective Superintendent Tony Bellis told Arutz Sheva: “This is a revolting and appalling act, and we are urging the public to help us locate those responsible. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior.” He added that community officers are working closely with local partners to provide reassurance. According to the BBC, the attacks are being investigated as religiously motivated criminal damage.
Shomrim volunteers collected security camera footage from multiple locations and shared it with the Metropolitan Police, assisting those affected, Yedioth Achronot reported. According to the report, in meetings with senior investigators, the volunteers emphasized the urgency of the response.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, visited one of the affected synagogues and said: “There is no place for antisemitism and hate in our community. The wider community should be assured that the police, Shomrim and local authorities are doing everything possible to find the perpetrator and bring them to justice.”
“This is a deliberate and shameful antisemitic act against our places of worship and community members,” said a Shomrim spokesperson. “It is completely disgusting, and those responsible must be caught and held accountable. No one should face this hatred while attending services or at home. We will continue working closely with the police to support victims and ensure the perpetrators are identified.”
Meanwhile, according to the Jerusalem Post, a suspect approached a Jewish school, according to the Met, and threw a “liquid” onto the building. Jewish News reported that the liquid was urine. According to the report, Shomrim indicated the same suspect is linked to all five incidents. “We are working closely with the school and the Metropolitan Police. The school has implemented all relevant safety measures to ensure no threat to the children, and Shomrim continues to provide security and support,” the organization said.
“With five confirmed attacks in just over a week, it is clear that this is a deliberate and targeted campaign of antisemitic hate,” Shomrim said on social media. “Synagogues, a school, and even a passageway used by worshipers have now all been defiled. Our community will not be intimidated, and Shomrim is working hand-in-hand with the police to ensure this individual is caught and brought to justice.”
Photo from GMC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtbZo3K5dyc
