An update from Barnet Council on community safety issues arising from conflict in the Middle East
Friday 20 October 2023
Following a meeting yesterday (19 October) with members of our Jewish communities organised by the London Jewish Forum, Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police would like to update you on what we are doing to support you at this time.
We know the conflict in the Middle East is taking a massive toll on Barnet’s Jewish communities and we know that you may be worried about the safety of your family and friends.
The Police have asked us to make clear that they are listening to and working with London’s communities and partners and increased patrols to provide a visible presence and reassurance. Additional Police officers are patrolling the streets, especially in areas where communities feel particularly vulnerable. Ahead of planned protests and vigils, the Police are liaising with organisers to strike a balance between supporting lawful protest and preventing criminal activity.
Alongside this message, Superintendent Dan Knowles of the Metropolitan Police has issued a letter to the communities of Barnet, Brent and Harrow about their policing approach in the boroughs to reassure and allay concerns.
We would like to reassure you that Barnet Council, the Police and the Community Security Trust are in regular contact to ensure we target our resources most effectively. Extra resources are being deployed in the borough, particularly around sensitive areas such as synagogues and schools.
We are also communicating through all our channels that we will not tolerate hate crime and that the Police will take action wherever they can.
We will be convening another larger meeting for our Jewish communities next week, to check what else we can do to support you. We will invite community leaders and representatives of schools, shuls and charities to attend.
Barnet Council stands with those affected by the unfolding tragedy in the Middle East. To mark our solidarity, we have flown the Israeli flag at half-mast from Hendon Town Hall, as well as lit up the building. At our online Barnet Question Time with the council’s Cabinet yesterday evening (Thursday 19 October), we held a one-minute silence to reflect on events and put those who have lost their lives foremost in our thoughts. A one-minute silence was also held at the start of this week’s full council meeting.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses threatening behaviour – including online - should report it to the Police, who will take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. Alternatively, you can report it to one of the independent hate crime reporting centres in Barnet. You can also report it to True Vision, run by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Community Security Trust (CST) and, of course, Shomrim. In an emergency, always dial 999.
In line with advice from the Police and Community Safety Trust, please do not share rumours. We urge caution when sharing news and updates on social media and messaging apps. Make sure any information comes from a reliable source, such as the Government, Police or Community Safety Trust. For the latest trusted updates on social media, follow @metpoliceuk and @CST_UK