JEWISH people in Worcester are ‘frightened’ after another anti-Semitic terror attack in the capital, as the city’s new bishop urged people of all faiths to unite to fight ‘violent extremism’.
The stabbing of two men in Golders Green in London has caused shock throughout the UK, including in Worcester, where some Jewish people feel they have to ‘hide their faith’.
Cllr Richard Udall has met Jewish people in the city who are scared after a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in the capital. His views were echoed by the Bishop of Worcester, who has also met with Jewish people locally and says they are feeling ‘intimidated’.
Meanwhile, chief superintendent Edd Williams of West Mercia Police said the force would provide ‘reassurance and support’ to the Jewish community.
ATTACK: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (left) during a meeting with representatives from criminal justice agencies at number 10 Downing Street following a terror attack in Golders Green (Image: Dan Kitwood/PA Wire)
The Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Nelson, says he is willing to work with ‘sisters and brothers’ of all faiths to consign violent extremism and anti-Semitism to history.
A 45-year-old man, said by police to be a Somali-born British national, was arrested following the incident on Wednesday as video footage emerged of an armed suspect being Tasered and kicked in the head by Metropolitan Police officers.
It was the latest of several attacks on Jewish sites in London which have included an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances and attempted arson attacks at synagogues.
Cllr Richard Udall, a Labour councillor for St John’s, said he had spoken to members of the Jewish community in Worcester who are ‘mostly elderly and feel very frightened’.
MEETING: Cllr Richard Udall has met with people from Worcester’s Jewish community who are frightened after the Golders Green terror attack (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
He added: “They have had problems in the past and now feel they have to hide their faith and background. Which is a sad reflection of today’s society.
“I spoke to two families yesterday, people I know who are Jewish and living in St John’s, they came to Worcester from London, in the 1950’s. They are not active in any synagogues and do not attend services.”
One of the Jewish people told Cllr Udall: “I feel frightened, most people have no idea we are Jewish, we should not have to feel we should hide our faith, but it’s simply the safest thing to do.
“I just want to live in safety and in peace, to mind my own business, but every time an incident happens, like the one in London, I feel scared; it will not change anything, but I’m now much more careful and cautious about who I speak to, what I do and where I go; I have to be alert to the risks.”
The Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Nelson, said: “My first thoughts and prayers are for the victims of this appalling attack: as I pray for them, I realise that their recovery will include the physical healing from the stabbing as well as the longer term process of working through psychological and emotional trauma.
“This is the second anti-Semitic attack in this area of London, so the whole Jewish community will be feeling anxious and afraid. Sadly, my contacts with Jewish people locally show that they too are feeling intimidated – the hatred is being felt across the country. This is unacceptable and shameful.
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“A few years ago a ceremony was held in Worcester to unveil a plaque which commemorates the medieval Jewish community who settled in the city from 1154. They suffered persecution and were expelled for their faith in 1275.
“The reception that followed the unveiling was attended by representatives of Muslim, Jewish, Christian and other faiths, all of them committed to working together so that all feel safe, respected and valued. I share that commitment. Antisemitism and violent extremism must be consigned to history. I will work with sisters and brothers of all faiths or none to achieve that goal.”
Chief Superintendent Edd Williams of West Mercia Police said: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the tragic events in Golders Green in London yesterday. We will continue to engage with all communities across the three counties we serve to provide reassurance and support where it’s needed.”
We also approached Jewish and Muslim faith leaders and Worcester MP Tom Collins but they were not available for comment.
