Posted on 01/22/2005 9:51:38 PM PST by JohnathanRGalt
Two victims needed hospital treatment - one had his nose broken by an iron bar, another needed stitches. But all eight were left terrified at being targeted apparently just because they were Jewish. Their attackers shouted anti-semitic insults. Some gave Nazi salutes or knocked off a victim's traditional hat or kappel skull cap.
Fear has spread through the neighbourhood, with many parents scared to let their children travel on buses or go out alone after dark. Local people have instigated a text message SOS system, whereby anyone in trouble can summon help from nearby residents.
Mike Whine, spokesman for the Community Security Trust, an agency which provides defence information and advice to British Jews, said the sustained nature of the attacks on a close-knit community was intimidating.
But he was even more worried that they were symptomatic of a general upsurge in anti-semitism throughout the UK in the last year.
In another recent incident, Jewish graves were desecrated in a cemetery in Aldershot, Hampshire, for the second time in three months.
Ten Jewish graves in Redan Road cemetery, two belonging to second world war veterans, were daubed with Nazi symbols, including swastikas, SS signs and CO18, the far right group, Combat 18. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said 12 graves were similarly defaced in October and it was despicable that vandals had struck again so close to Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.
"There have also been incidents in north Manchester, where there is a large Jewish population, and in other parts of the country," said Mr Whine, who is also a director of the British Board of Jewish Deputies.
"While we are still compiling final figures, we know there has been a substantial increase in violence against Jews in the past year." The Community Security Trust has compiled reports on anti-semitic behaviour since 1984 and has recorded an average of 500 instances a year since 2000, ranging from verbal insults and offensive literature to desecration of property and physical attacks on people.
Islamic extremists have targeted Jews on several occasions. But there is no evidence to date that the Stamford Hill attacks are linked to any such group. Mr Whine could think of no particular reason for the recent increase in anti-semitism, but said there was always a backlash when Jews, Israel or Nazism were in the news.
Last week, 20-year-old Prince Harry caused outrage when he wore the uniform of Rommel's Afrika Korps with a swastika on his sleeve to a fancy dress party.
"It's going too far to blame things on any particular news story, but over the years we've found that anything relating to Jews, whether good or bad publicity, tension in the Middle East or a documentary about the Holocaust, seems to put it into the heads of idiots and invariably leads to trouble on the streets," said Mr Whine.
He accused the police of being slow to realise the attacks were linked, and urged a more "imaginative approach" to snare the perpetrators, by having plain clothes officers lie in wait, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when Jews were going to the synagogues.
The attackers have been spotted driving a green VW Golf. Police said the description was vague because the attacks took place after dark, and some of the victims did not get a good look at their assailants.
The first incident happened on December 6, outside the Yeten Lev boys school in Casenove Road, when the suspects kicked and punched a 23-year-old man. This year, there have been four attacks, three on the January 5 and one on January 7. Chief Superintendent Simon Pountain, the Hackney borough commander, insisted he was doing all he could to catch the criminals and reassure the Jewish community.
"We are taking this very seriously, particularly as it is a group of linked attacks by one gang against one community," he said.
"We have not had anything like this in the recent past. We've spoken to Jewish community leaders, and are using a mix of overt and covert policing tactics."
He accused the police of being slow to realise the attacks were linked, and urged a more "imaginative approach" to snare the perpetrators, by having plain clothes officers lie in wait, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when Jews were going to the synagogues.No, not just plain clothes -- why don't the police dress in black and wear their hair in long strands like the Hasidic Jews that they're supposed to protect?
This is distressing news to read about a "civilized" nation like the UK.
I always find it a little ironic that they consider themselves so much more enlightened and tolerant than Americans when I see headlines like this.
Of course, if there was CCW in Britain this wouldn't be happening. Or it would happen once and that would be the end of it.
Your ping lists might be interested in this.
By CCW you mean: "Carry Concealed Weapons".
When the terror attacks began in Israel years ago, the terrorists were using firearms. Arming private citizens and teachers quickly stopped that kind of attack. Because the likelihood of a pistol- or rifle-armed terrorist killing very many people before being shot himself dropped drastically, the terrorists shifted tactics to suicide bombings.
The question is what does the law do if these criminals are caught? I never hear of any arrests or convictions.
Meanwhile Prince Harry dresses up like a Nazi and folks wonder what the problem is...
I'll bet they still support total gun control. No JPFO mentality for these sheeple.
Arm yourselves you can bet ...the muslims have their stash of weapons smuggled in...
Had the Jews been armed when the Nazis started their pogram...the outcome would most likely been a bit different.
imo
I was gonna say the same thing, Jews: Arm yourselves! !
In France almost nothing. The judicial system is releasing the perps and the community is crying foul.
L
A message to all my fellow Jews:
LOCK AND LOAD
"A message to all my fellow Jews:
LOCK AND LOAD"
On Friday night coming from shul? Defeats the object I think.
Oh, but Foxman and ADL think gun control is just dandy!
Next time somebody sees that slimy Judenrat, please ask him the following question:
"Since antisemitism in Europe is getting worse, do you think there are any circumstances possible under which Europe's Jews should arm themselves for protection?"
I want to hear him say NO to that question. I dare that rotten leftist piece of schumer Foxman to come out and say that Jews should not arm themselves no matter what happens. I DARE him.
If six million Jews would have had guns during the 30's and 40's six million Jews would not have perished at the hands of the Nazis.
History will repeat itself unless the Jews of Europe start to no complain BUT ACTUALLY FIGHT BACK. IF the arabs beat up the Jews, the Jews should kill some arabs -- only than would this end. Reason, logic and other acts do not impress the arab islamic slime. Jews must learn to fight or they will DIE!
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