On October 7, Israel was invaded by hostile forces from Gaza. They kidnapped, killed and tortured civilians and soldiers indiscriminately. Barely a day later, Hezbollah and the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad attempted a northern invasion. The reality of what it means to be in Israel has hit heavy against a generation of Jews that had never experienced anything like this before.
What happens in Israel rarely remains in Israel for Diaspora Jews. Hamas and other terrorist supporters have rooted themselves within the Diaspora; whether it is because they migrated or because they were born in the West.
Footage online has shown pro-Palestine demonstrations kicking off around the world, in support of Hamas and a Palestinian "uprising." Some politicians and community leaders have been quick to celebrate the war crimes Hamas are committing, while blaming Israel’s very existence for the experience of the babies, children and mother abducted by the so-called "freedom fighters."
British Jews targeted in a wave of hate
In England, the actions of Hamas and other terrorists have inspired a new wave of crime against the Jewish community.
In Golders Green, a central hub for London’s Jewry, graffiti was sprayed across the train station and main bridge.
The attacks did not end with words tattooed on the community, as The Jerusalem Post reported yesterday. Pita, an Israeli restaurant I frequented often before making aliyah, had its windows smashed and the cash register stolen.
... Antisemitism is incitement to violence. Also today in Golders Green: pic.twitter.com/QYbmSOYbYL
— David Hirsh (@DavidHirsh) October 9, 2023
Gary Mond, chairman of the National Jewish Assembly in the United Kingdom, said: "We condemn this sickening attack by supporters of the Hamas terrorists against a kosher restaurant in Golders Green, an area of London where many Jews live. It is horrifying to think that anyone is prepared to take this sort of action which demonstrates solidarity with those who perpetrate mass murder."
The police announced that they would not be treating the attack as a hate crime, despite having assured the community only days ago that more protections would be afforded to them in light of what is happening in Israel.
On October 9, the Metropolitan police released a statement, whereby they said:
"We condemn this sickening attack by supporters of the Hamas terrorists against a kosher restaurant in Golders Green, an area of London where many Jews live. It is horrifying to think that anyone is prepared to take this sort of action which demonstrates solidarity with those who perpetrate mass murder."
Gary Mond, Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly in the United Kingdom
“Ahead of the protests and vigils we liaised with the organizers to ensure our policing plan was appropriate - balancing the right to lawful protest against any disruption to Londoners, while ensuring all communities are supported and reassured.”
“UK policing has an obligation to uphold the right to protest. However we are clear that where any activity crosses into criminality we will, and have, taken action
“Three arrests have been made for assault on an emergency worker, racially-motivated criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. In addition, further active arrest enquiries are underway.
“During the protests in Kensington High Street a number of individuals were observed engaging in criminal damage of a building. We have gathered evidence and active enquiries are under way to identity, locate and arrests those suspected of being involved.
“We are aware of concerns being raised about flags and other symbols being displayed in a way that could lead to people feeling threatened. Specialist officers reviewed these and determined they were not flags of proscribed organizations. The waving of a particular flag is not, in itself, a specific criminal offence unless it relates to a proscribed organization. At present, no offences were identified.
“At approximately 19.40hrs, British Transport Police officers arrested a 15-year-old male on Kensington High Street, in the vicinity of High Street Kensington Underground Station on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. He has been taken to a central London police station.
“At approximately 20.00hrs a 70-year-old man was arrested in Kensington area on suspicion of a racially motivated criminal damage. He has been taken to a central London police station.
“At approximately 21.00hrs, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Oxford Street on suspicion on causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been taken to a central London police station.”
The police did not mention that the arrests were made after a rally was held by pro-Palestine and pro-Iran forces outside of the Israeli embassy.
The forces were celebrating the "uprising" of Palestine, one source told the Post.
The Telegraph reported that 2,000 people had attended the demonstration outside the embassy. The paper also reported that demonstrators fired fireworks at the embassy.
The police previously admitted to only three arrests, but the Telegraph reported that they had enough forces to remove people with Israeli flags attempting to counter the demonstration.
It should be made clear that events like this are happening globally, and not just in the United Kingdom.
The Australian Jewish Association posted footage of protesters yelling “Gas the Jews” on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on October 9, and countless other incidents have also been recorded across the globe.
UNCUT VERSION - SHOCKING "Gas the Jews' on the steps of the Sydney Opera House pic.twitter.com/kLv9QMex65
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) October 9, 2023
A community that won’t be intimidated into silence
Despite the attacks, and the intimidation, many members of the Jewish community of London refused to remain silent.
The community mourned for the loss of life in Israel, some of the mourners knowing a person killed by the terrorists or having loved ones whose whereabouts are unknown. Many are just mourning the loss and suffering of a life unknown to them.
An anonymous individual told the post they could hardly move from the number of people there sending their support to Israel.
In a moving video, Israel supports break out into song. They sing Israel’s national anthem for a country in mourning.