Statement from the Police and Crime Commissioner following Golders Green attack

John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire is clear that that there is no place for antisemitism in the county or anywhere.

He has written to the Chair of the Luton United Synagogue to express his solidarity with the Jewish community in Bedfordshire at this time of vile, hateful, and dangerous antisemitism.

John Tizard said:

 “Recent events in London, especially the attacks yesterday in Golders Green are unacceptable and horrible. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.  

 “No one whatever their faith or ethnicity should ever be in fear because of their faith or ethnicity. We must be robust in promoting the values of our country and our communities. I will not hesitate to call out hate crime and especially antisemitism or other religious based hatred.

 “Bedfordshire Police has and will continue to provide protection to the synagogue and members of all our communities.

 “It should not require saying that the Jewish people living in the UK are not responsible for the Israeli government’s actions but perhaps we have to say so.

“Antisemitism is foul. It is part of a wider pattern of hate and violence fuelled by far right and other populist politics, and intolerant attitudes and behaviours. We must stand up against religious and racial hate in whatever form it appears. We must hold those who promote hate and use violence to account.

“This requires police action, government action, and action by other public bodies, and by us all. Every one of us must challenge hatred, make it clear that abuse and violence are not acceptable and demonstrate solidarity with every community experiencing hatred or the fear of hatred especially antisemitism and islamophobia both of which are too prevalent in our society today.”

The PCC welcomes the government’s commitment to provide extra resources and introduce new measures and laws to tackle hate crime and hate violence in all its forms. He also says that everyone whatever their faith or race should have the same protections and the same rights.