Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has strongly condemned the recent increase in anti-semitic attacks. That includes a brick being thrown through a window of Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue in Old Farm Avenue, N14 last week.
Theresa Villiers said “It is shocking that the Community Security Trust has recorded over 200 anti-semitic incidents in July alone, with a total of around 240 for the last six weeks. I totally condemn these attacks. I am particularly appalled by the attack on Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue which falls just outside my constituency. It’s equally worrying that the synagogue in Belfast has suffered in the same way.”
“I have a record dating back 25 years of campaigning against anti-semitism, including being a member of the All Party Inquiry into Anti-Semitism whose report was published in 2006.”
“As soon as the Gaza crisis hit the headlines, I contacted the borough police commander for Barnet, Adrian Usher, to try to find out whether the pattern of previous years would be repeated with anti-semitism rising at times when Israel is in the news. At that point the problem had yet to show itself clearly, but since then we have seen a significant rise in anti-semitic incidents including an increase in anti-semitic crime. This is completely unacceptable.”
“Over recent days I have spoken to a number of my constituents about their fears and concerns about the current situation, including the chair of Barnet Synagogue who told me of a heated meeting held at the shul to discuss this issue. I have also received a detailed update from the police on the action they are taking and their plans for keeping people safe in Barnet during the forthcoming high holy days. I am also grateful to the Community Security Trust for keeping me informed on these very worrying developments.”
“I stand in solidarity with my Jewish constituents and everyone who has been a victim of hate crime.”
Ms Villiers is planning further meetings to listen directly to the concerns of the Jewish community on these matters and give them her firm support. She has urged any of her constituents who have experienced anti-semitic harassment or abuse to report this to the police and the CST.