South Hampstead Synagogue daubed with anti-Semitic graffiti calls for people to 'stand united' against prejudice

Jacob Jarvis30 December 2019
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Representatives of synagogue daubed with anti-Semitic graffiti have called for people to "stand united" against prejudice after being targeted.

A Star of David alongside the numbers "9.11" were painted on a number of buildings in Hampstead and Belsize Park over night.

The graffiti is a reference to an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jewish people were behind the September 11 terror attacks.

The South Hampstead Synagogue was among those targeted and has since sent a message to its members.

Restaurants and shops were also targeted
Twitter/Oliver Cooper

"As a community, we regret the rise of hate speech in society. Social media is polluted with xenophobia, islamophobia, homophobia, misogyny, racism and anti-Semitism. Sadly, these things are connected," a statement said.

"This is a time for people of all backgrounds – of all faiths and of none - to stand united and show our determination that we do not tolerate prejudice, hate and division – on our streets or online."

It added: "Over the next year, South Hampstead Synagogue is determined to continue to work closely with Camden council, and to partner with local faith communities and neighbours, on initiatives to strengthen community cohesion in our great borough and across London."

Police are investigating the graffiti, which has been branded "disgraceful".

Teams were sent to clean the graffiti
Twitter/Oliver Cooper

Officers are investigating the graffiti as a racially motivated hate crime after receiving reports of the vandalism at 11.30pm on Saturday.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn sent a message of "love and solidarity" to Jewish communities, while Home Secretary Priti Patel described anti-Semitism as an "unacceptable scourge on our society".

Camden Council leader Georgia Gould released a joint statement alongside Sir Keir and Ms Siddiq.

The trio said they were "horrified" by the vandalism.

The statement read: "Camden is and always will be no place for hate.

"We stand together with all of our Jewish residents and our whole community in saying these cowardly pedlars of hate do not represent Camden and our values."

Scotland Yard is making enquiries and there have been no arrests.

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