London has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of suspected anti-Semitic incidents in the past week. The Metropolitan Police said that it had recorded 86 incidents of hate crime against Jewish people between October 7 and October 14, compared to 21 incidents in the previous week, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.
The incidents included physical assaults, verbal abuse, vandalism, graffiti, and online harassment. Some of the incidents were directly linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while others were motivated by general anti-Jewish sentiment. Some of the victims were targeted for wearing visible symbols of their faith, such as skullcaps or Star of David necklaces.
The Metropolitan Police said that it was taking the matter seriously and that it had increased its patrols and security measures in areas with large Jewish communities, such as Stamford Hill, Golders Green, and Hendon. The police also said that it was working closely with Jewish organizations and leaders to monitor the situation and provide support to the victims.
The police urged anyone who witnessed or experienced any form of anti-Semitism to report it immediately and assured them that they would be treated with sensitivity and respect. The police also warned that anyone who committed hate crime would face arrest and prosecution.
The Jewish community in London expressed its shock and dismay over the surge in anti-Semitism and called for solidarity and action from the wider society. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that provides security and protection to Jewish people in the UK, said that it had received 201 reports of anti-Semitic incidents across the country since October 7, which was more than four times higher than the average.
The CST said that the majority of the incidents were related to the Israel-Hamas war, which had triggered a wave of hostility and violence against Jewish people. The CST said that it was working with the police and other agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the Jewish community.
The CST also appealed to the public to stand up against anti-Semitism and to show solidarity with Jewish people who were facing hatred and fear. The CST said that anti-Semitism was not only a problem for Jews, but for everyone who valued democracy, human rights, and diversity.
The Israel-Hamas war has also sparked protests and demonstrations in London and other cities in the UK, where pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists have clashed over their views on the conflict. The war has also caused a rift within some political parties, such as Labour, where some members have accused their leaders of being biased or silent on the issue.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel by air, land, and sea. The attack killed more than 700 Israelis, including hundreds of civilians who were attending a music festival near the Gaza border.
Israel responded with a massive aerial and ground assault on Gaza, killing more than 400 Palestinians, mostly militants but also some civilians. Israel also targeted Hamas leaders, infrastructure, and weapons caches. The war has also sparked violence and unrest within Israel, where Arab and Jewish citizens have clashed in several towns and cities.
The international community has expressed alarm and concern over the situation and called for an immediate ceasefire and a political solution. The US has announced more support for Israel by sending munitions and boosting forces in the region. The UN Security Council has held several meetings but failed to agree on a joint statement or resolution.
The war is the worst outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas since 2014, when they fought a 50-day war that killed more than 2,000 people. The two sides have been locked in a long-standing conflict over land, security, and rights, with no sign of a lasting peace agreement.
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