Jewish schools in London close over fears for children’s safety as warning issued over anti-Israel protests
TWO Jewish schools in London have closed over fears for children’s safety as a warning is issued over anti-Israel protests.
Community leaders are terrified that youngsters will be targeted in the wake of the bloodbath unfolding in the Middle East.
Torah Vodaas Primary School, in Edgware, and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School, in Colindale, informed parents of the closure on Thursday night.
It’s understood neither of the schools will reopen until Monday.
In a letter to parents, Rabbi Feldman, of Torah Vodaas, said while there was “no specific threat to our school” it was “not a decision that has been taken lightly”.
The growing concern comes as police are bracing for thousands of anti-Israel protests to descend on London tomorrow.
The founder of terror group Hamas called for Friday to be a global day of rage against supporters of Israel wherever they are in the world.
Evil Khalid Mashal called for a global Jihad on Jews worldwide on October 13, as well as an “invasion” of the stricken Middle Eastern state.
Rishi Sunak told cops they have his full backing to throw the book at anyone glorifying terrorism – amid a 400 per cent increase in antisemitic attacks last week.
Pro-Palestine activists were seen openly celebrating the massacre in Israel on London streets earlier this week.
Rabbi David Meyer, chief executive of the Partnership for Jewish Schools, told Sky News parents are concerned, adding: “I think they have reason to be.
“There have been unfortunately in the past significant rippled effects when things have happened in the Middle East
“They seem to have impacted and caused a significant increase in incidents in the UK.”
Mr Sunak warned last week’s attack in Israel was now the third worst terror atrocity since the 1970s, and the backlash risks spilling onto the streets of Britain.
And today, the PM gave cops new guidance on how to police anti-Israel protests.
He summoned police chiefs to No10 as he ordered £3 million of emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues in Britain.
Today’s announcement brings the total funding for Jewish Community Protection Security grant to £18 million for 2023-24.
The Community Security Trust (CST) works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events.
CST representatives met with cops and the Home Secretary this morning – after 139 anti semitic attacks occurred in the UK in just five days.
Speaking after the event, Mr Sunak said: “At moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe.
“That is why we must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country. If anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it. You have our complete backing.”
The Home Secretary, Attorney General and Policing Minister also drew up new guidance for “provocative protests” by pro-Palestine and Hamas supporting protesters.
Last night No10 said: “Reflecting on the distressing scenes we have seen both online and on Britain’s streets in the past week, the Prime Minister asked police chiefs to ensure a consistent and clear approach is taken to tackling hate crime, policing protests and protecting Jewish communities.
“He stressed that the police have the Government’s total backing in ensuring that any glorification of terrorism is met with the full force of the law.”