Jewish schools in London doused in red paint in 'shocking' acts of anti-Semitism amid Israel-Hamas conflict

16 October 2023, 17:42 | Updated: 16 October 2023, 18:56

Two Jewish schools have been doused in red paint
Two Jewish schools have been doused in red paint. Picture: Twitter

By Kit Heren

Two Jewish schools in north London have been splattered with red paint in acts of apparent anti-Semitism, against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Vishnitz Girls School in Stamford Hill was targeted in the early hours of Thursday morning last week.

Then Beis Chinuch Lebonos Girls' School, about 15 minutes' walk to the south-west, was hit with paint early on Monday morning.

Stamford Hill is home to a very large Haredi Jewish community, who adhere to an orthodox variant of Judaism.

Police said they were treating both incidents as hate crimes, although they were not sure yet if they were linked. No one has been arrested yet.

The incidents were caught on CCTV, with masked offenders seen striding towards the schools and hitting them with the paint.

Sadiq Khan posted online: "From those vandalising Jewish schools in North London to those graffitiing Islamophobic hatred on bus stops in South London: We will not tolerate your hate, you will be found, and you will face the full force of the law."

Read more: Six Brits killed and 10 missing or dead says Rishi Sunak as he condemns Hamas 'pogrom' in Israel

Read more: Hero Brit, 32, killed fighting Hamas terrorists as he saved Israeli civilians from massacre

It comes after the BBC building in central London was also doused in red paint by pro-Palestine protesters on Saturday.

The Pinter Trust, which represents the local Haredi community, said that they were "shocked" by the incidents.

A spokesperson told Jewish News: "We’re worried about hate crimes against the Jewish community, especially after these two schools were vandalised, and we’re worried about what lies ahead.

"We are thankful to the police for increasing their presence and feel we need all the support we can get at the moment, because people are feeling very anxious.

"The Orthodox community in Stamford Hill is obviously very visibly Jewish, so there is a greater risk of course."

The spokesperson said that they were proud of their good relations with the local Muslim community.

"We hope and pray for peace," he added. "We don’t want anyone to get hurt, either here or abroad."

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets said: "We have had extra police patrols in the area since the attacks in Israel to provide reassurance.

"We are working closely with our partners in the Community Security Trust, the Shomrim, Hackney Council and other key local partners.

"These incidents will be robustly investigated and we have been clear that we have a zero tolerance for hate crime."

If you have any information please call 101 stating CAD5621/15OCT23 (Lordship Road) or CAD 4143/16OCT23 (Woodbury Down).

Israel was attacked by Hamas on October 7, in a series of incursions that killed more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with a bombardment of Gaza, killing over 2,450 in return. A ground invasion of Gaza by the Israeli army is expected soon.

The conflict has sparked a strong reaction in the UK both from Palestine supporters and people who sympathise with Israel's cause. Reports of anti-Semitic incidents have risen dramatically in the nine days since the attack.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kim Kardashian's stylist has appeared in court as a witness in £10m Paris burglary case undertaken by 'grandpa robbers'.

'Screams of terror': Kim Kardashian's stylist gives evidence in $10m 'grandpa robbers' burglary case in Paris

Nissan car dealership

Nissan to shut seven factories and slash 20,000 jobs globally in bid to cut costs

Sir Bradley Wiggins (left) with cyclist son Ben Wiggins

'My son feared I’d die after I became a cocaine addict', says Sir Bradley Wiggins

Marks and Spencer has kept its physical shops open

Was my data stolen in M&S cyber attack and when will it be back online?

The crash site in Hrabove, Ukraine of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine.

Russia responsible for downing MH17 flight over Ukraine, UN rules

Andy Murray (left) and Novak Djokovic who will “no longer be working together”, the Scot’s representatives have announced.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic ‘will no longer be working together’ - as split announced days before French Open

French Actor Gérard Depardieu Faces Trial Over Sexual Assault Allegations

French actor Gerard Depardieu found guilty of sexually assaulting two women and handed 18 month suspended jail term

Exclusive
Ms Cooper made the remarks on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.

'We need action in waters, not just the coast', says Home Secretary as she slams French response to small boats

Marks and Spencer on Oxford Street in London.

M&S admits customers' personal data was stolen by hackers in cyber attack

Court hears how Sean 'Diddy' Combs forced women into 'freak offs' as sex trafficking trial begins in New York

Court hears how Sean 'Diddy' Combs forced women into 'freak offs' as sex trafficking trial begins in New York

a deadly bacteria has seen several Spar products recalled

Major supermarket urgently recalls chicken after discovering deadly bacteria

Kim Kardashian attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.

Kim Kardashian to appear in court as witness in $10m 'grandpa robbers' burglary case in Paris

A man has been arrested in connection with fires at properties linked to Keir Starmer

Man arrested in connection with 'arson with intent to endanger life' after fires at sites linked to Keir Starmer

An obese child looking down

Smart scales and special clinics to help thousands of obese children lose weight

Exclusive
.

‘It’s not worth the high’: Ketamine addicts getting younger and showing more severe signs of bladder issues

ROMANIA NATO DACIA SPRING EXERCICE

Three Belgian soldiers injured in training exercise in Scotland