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Two London Jewish schools close until Monday for 'safety of children'

Torah Vodaas Primary School and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School both informed parents of the decision this evening

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Young students seen learning in the classroom at the opening of the new school year in a school for ultra orthodox jewish boys, in Beit Shemesh, August 28, 2022. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** ???? ????? ??????? ????? ?????

Two North London Jewish schools have told parents they are closing their doors until Monday out of safety concerns for their children.

According to Sky News, Torah Vodaas Primary School and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School have both informed parents about the closure this evening saying they were making the decision "in the interests of the safety of our precious children".

The headteacher of Torah Vodaas, Rabbi Feldman said that while there was no 'specific threat' to the school, that it was "not a decision that has been taken lightly".

The news comes amid reports of a tripling of antisemitic hate crimes by CST, who Rishi Sunak has pledged to give an additional £3m of funding.

From Saturday, October 7 to Tuesday, October 10, the CST recorded at least 89 antisemitic incidents across the UK. In comparison, they recorded 21 antisemitic incidents over the same four days in 2022.

Earlier this week, JFS headteacher Dr David Moody allowed students to not wear their blazers on the way to school. In a note to parents, he said: “The most important thing is to ensure the safe passage of students between home and school and to make sure that this school is set up to care for our children during the school day."

The school also lifted after-school detentions to enable pupils to travel home by school bus and added: "I think the badge of our school, which has been a safe haven for Jews for nearly 300 years, is important, but should students wish to not wear a blazer then I would understand that decision. As such, they will be optional for the next week.”

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