Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet Council leader condemned “horrendous antisemitism” after a spate of antisemitic attacks on buildings in the borough, vowing stronger action.
According to a Jewish News story from yesterday, police were looking into two attacks on Golders Green synagogues in the last week in which a guy threw a pail of urine at a Jewish school and smeared feces on the walls and doorways.
In his statement issued today, Barry Rawlings said:
“The horrendous antisemitic attacks on our synagogues and a school disgust us. We all stand united in our condemnation of such appalling acts. The perpetrator must be speedily brought to justice.”
Barnet is home to the biggest Jewish community in the UK and has witnessed a stark concentration of antisemitic hate crimes and property damage over a number of years.
Despite a near 25% reported decrease in antisemitic incidents over the past year, the number remains concerning, with figures that include physical attacks, threats and desecration of Jewish property.
Antisemitism in Barnet, as elsewhere, is influenced by geopolitical events linked to Israel and Lebanon; public demonstrations against Israeli politics often lead to a spike in anti-Jewish hate crime in the borough.
He added:
“There is no room for race hate or religiously motivated persecution in Barnet. Barnet Council works with the Metropolitan Police, local synagogues, CST, and Shomrim to fight antisemitism and make our streets safer for all members of our Jewish communities.
If people have evidence that may help the police identify that perpetrator, then I urge them to share it directly with the Police and not risk jeopardising the investigation by sharing on social media. Hate has no place in Barnet.”
What safety measures are in place for Barnet’s Jewish communities?
The Metropolitan Police have substantially increased patrols around synagogues, Jewish schools, community centres and higher density Jewish areas, particularly on weekends and Jewish festivals, with officers providing visible reassurance and speed of response capabilities.
CST collaborates closely with local police and other community stakeholders to monitor threats, provide security advice, and help coordinate how antisemitic incidents are reported and responded to. Groups such as Shomrim provide community led safety patrols, which also serve as an additional set of eyes and ears to help avoid antisemitic incidents and report these incidents.
Barnet Council and police will keep open lines of communication to ensure that up to date threat information and safety advice can be shared with the community promptly, including on liaison with schools and community leaders.