Stars of David and ‘9/11’ daubed on shops and a shul in Hampstead, Belsize Park
CST says it is aware of 'antisemitic graffiti' which defaced numerous sites across north London
“Horrifying” antisemitic graffiti was daubed on shops and a synagogue in Belsize Park and Hampstead overnight.
Numerous sites were defaced with graffiti including stars of David and the term ‘9/11’, referencing an antisemitic conspiracy theory that Jews are responsible for the 9/11 terror attack.
The Community Security Trust posted an image of the daubing at an Oddbins store, and wrote on Twitter it “is aware of several examples of antisemitic graffiti in Belsize Park / Hampstead last night.”
If you have any information please contact Police on 101 & CST on 0800 032 3263″.
It added, “This disgusting antisemitic graffiti was clearly the work of someone determined to spread their hatred as widely as possible. We are pleased the Police and council have acted quickly to remove it and we hope it will be fully investigated.”
CST is aware of several examples of antisemitic graffiti in Belsize Park / Hampstead last night. If you have any information please contact Police on 101 & CST on 0800 032 3263 pic.twitter.com/JaeEnqTxZk
— CST (@CST_UK) December 29, 2019
James Sorene of BICOM posted a picture on Twitter of graffiti daubed on the shop front of what used to be the Hampstead Cafe.
He wrote: “This is horrifying, graffiti on a former Israeli style restaurant in Hampstead this morning.
Just to add to this: the 9/11 refers to an antisemitic conspiracy theory that Jewish people were somehow responsible for the twin towers attacks in New York.”
The Board of Deputies responded to James Sorene’s tweet, saying: “This is a reminder that antisemitism is still with us. Thanks @CST_UK for reporting to @MPSCamden. We hope action is taken to find & punish the perpetrators. Let’s all work to defeat antisemitism in 2020!”
Leader of Camden Conservatives, Oliver Cooper, tweeted that he was “Sickened by the antisemitic graffiti”, adding that he had been “walking around Hampstead documenting all the antisemitic graffiti that mars our community this morning, and just got to South Hampstead Synagogue. This is a place of peace and prayer, desecrated by the world’s oldest hatred.”
A spokesman for South Hampstead Synagogue, one of the buildings targeted in the vandalism spate, also 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.”
Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn Tulip Siddiq condemned the vandalism as “unbelievable, senseless, disgusting anti-Semitism at the heart of our community”.
She added: “I am in touch with Camden Council and Borough Commander (Raj) Kohli regarding clean-up and attempting to find these criminals – we must all stay vigilant in order to continue the fight against this hatred.”
The Metropolitan Police said no arrests have yet been made.
Inspector Kev Hailes said: “This is clearly a concerning incident and one we are taking seriously.
“We have liaised with our partners in order to remove the graffiti and various inquiries are under way to find who is responsible.
“Officers will be on patrol throughout the area in order to provide some reassurance to local communities. Please approach us if you have any questions or concerns.”
The incident comes after five people were stabbed at a rabbi’s home north of New York on Saturday night.
I am walking around Hampstead documenting all the anti-Semitic graffiti that mars our community this morning, and just got to South Hampstead Synagogue. This is a place of peace and prayer, desecrated by the world’s oldest hatred. pic.twitter.com/zJgxBxiZRU
— Oliver Cooper (@OliverCooper) December 29, 2019
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