A Kosher restaurant has been targeted by vandals and pro-Palestinian graffiti has been daubed on a bridge after violence erupted between Hamas forces and Israel.
Police were called at around 6.10am today to reports of a burglary and damage caused to Pita restaurant in Golders Green Road, Golders Green.
Officers were informed that a cash register had been stolen and they examined CCTV footage at the location.
A #Jewish restaurant was vandalised in Golders Green, North #London overnight.#IsraelPalestineWar #IStandWithIsrael #Israel pic.twitter.com/UcWh09WAaK
— Aryan Pankaj Vivaswan (@AryanVivaswan) October 9, 2023
No arrests have been made so far, and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
A Met Police spokesperson says that at this stage the incident is not being treated as a hate crime.
Pro-Palestine graffiti was seen on a bridge just metres from the restaurant.
The Met say they have deployed more police officers on the streets across London following the attacks by Hamas on Israel two days ago.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of policing London today, said: “We are aware that this conflict has a far reaching impact on communities around the world, and we extend our full support to those affected in London.
“We are listening and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected. We ask that members of the public report anything concerning, such as threatening behaviour."
Reacting to the vandalism, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on X, formerly Twitter, that there is “no tolerance for hate” in London.
He claimed: “I remain in close contact with the Met Police. Whoever did this will face the full force of the law. I stand with Jewish Londoners, today and always.”
There is no tolerance for hate in our city. I remain in close contact with the Met Police. Whoever did this will face the full force of the law.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) October 9, 2023
I stand with Jewish Londoners, today and always. https://t.co/3268bUO6rI
Many users on social media expressed their sympathies with the business. One person said: “This is unacceptable. These business owners are trying to make a living whilst haters resort to what they love best: hate.”
Another commented: “This is troubling. I've walked past there many times. Think I'll show support by visiting for a meal once they've reopened.”
The Jewish News claimed on X “as with previous conflicts involving Israel, British Jews are being targeted amid a rise in antisemitic attacks”.
A Kosher restaurant in Golders Green, north London, vandalised and a bridge metres away branded with ‘Free Palestine’.
— Jewish News (@JewishNewsUK) October 9, 2023
As in previous conflicts involving Israel, British Jews are being targeted amid a rise in antisemitic attacks pic.twitter.com/gdobqD9yAR
Officers have urged anyone with information to contact the police on 101 or via X @MetCC quoting CAD 1077/9Oct.
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