Golders Green: Kosher restaurant vandalised as Jewish community fears rise in antisemitic attacks

A popular kosher restaurant in Golders Green had its windows smashed overnight and the cash register stolen just metres away from a bridge which was branded in pro-Palestinian graffiti.

The incident came in the wake of Hamas’s attack on Israel and the country's military response.

But the Met Police said the attack on the Pita restaurant is not "at this stage" being treated as a hate crime and that it is thought to have been a burglary.

Scotland Yard has stepped up patrols in Jewish areas of London after videos circulated of some people appearing to celebrate the onslaught on Israel by Hamas.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at approximately 6.10am on Monday October 9 to reports of a burglary and damage caused to a restaurant in Golders Green Road.

“It was reported that a cash register had been stolen. Officers have attended the scene and examined CCTV at the location.

“There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. At this stage, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime.”

Members of the Jewish community have shared their concerns over a rise of antisemitic attacks as the war in Israel rages.

David Berger, from Golders Green, said: “Unfortunately there will be a rise in attacks and aggressions towards the Orthodox community and all Jewish communities in London.

“I’ve got family in Israel and in England. Everyone is shaken to the core at what has happened.”

Samuel Lebowitz, a Golders Green resident and member of neighbourhood watch group Kasper, said: “We just have to support each other as much as possible. I have a few friends that went out to Israel for the Jewish holiday and they’re not going to come back.”

Mr Lebowitz shared his disappointment in the Met Police’s support over the Jewish holiday season.

“I am very upset with the Met Police. Every year we used to get much more support from the police over the Jewish festival holiday,” he told LondonWorld.

“I’m involved with security for the community and this year we had much less support.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “We are aware that this conflict has a far reaching impact on communities around the world, and we extend our full support to those affected in London.

“We are listening and working with communities and partners to ensure people feel safe and protected. We ask that members of the public report anything concerning, such as threatening behaviour.

“We are aware that a number of demonstrations and protests are planned. We have spoken to the organisers and we expect these will pass off peacefully. However, we will take a zero tolerance approach to any activity which crosses the lines into criminality.”

In response to the burglary in Golders Green, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “There is no tolerance for hate in our city. I remain in close contact with the Met Police. Whoever did this will face the full force of the law.

“I stand with Jewish Londoners, today and always.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to contact police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 1077/9Oct.