Antisemitic symbols were spray-painted along with the numbers “911” in nine different locations on Jewish shops, on bus stops and other venues around Hampstead in London this weekend.
Jewish shop owners – including Oddbins and Esclot London, as well as a former café and a phone booth – and other addresses in Hampstead and Belsize Park, such as a synagogue wall, were among those who locales were affected by the attacks.
Totally unacceptable.We will turn over every stone to find out who is responsible.This alongside attack in New York means ALL of us need to be vigilant for more anti Semitic behaviour&we are ALL responsible for helping stop it.For our Jewish friends- I am sorry this has happened.
— Chief Supt Raj Kohli (@MPSRajKohli)
The graffiti comprised a red Magen David (Star of David) and a reference to the 9/11 Al Qaeda attacks on the United States that is believed to be a reference to a conspiracy theory claiming Israel was behind the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
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)
Metropolitan Police Inspector Kev Kailes said in a statement, “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 underway to find out 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. I ask anyone who might have seen anything suspicious last night to call us and aid the investigation.”
taken together with the stabbings in New York something truly monstrous is rising from the slime https://t.co/5jdsVlqmoL
— Simon Schama (@simon_schama)