closeicon
News

Mezuzot targeted in suspected antisemitic vandalism

Police investigate alleged incidents in Borehamwood

articlemain

Mezuzah door jamb. Attaches to an external door jamb in a Jewish house.

Mezuzot affixed to two Jewish homes in Borehamwood were allegedly targeted on Monday in suspected “racially motivated crimes”, local police said. 

Hertfordshire Constabulary is investigating the two incidents reported in Hackney Close on Monday.
 
Residents of one household reported that their scroll and its encasing mezuzah were destroyed between noon and 6.45pm. Another mezuzah was reported missing from a neighbouring property earlier in the day. 
 
One of the victims, Suzie Wilson, 44, said she had felt "sad and sickened" by the incident. 
 
The parent-of-three, whose mezuzah went missing, said she had also felt a "little frightened because obviously as a mum you're a protector of your kids and you want to be safe in your home."
 
She also said she had been "really impressed" by the police response. 
 
"Every day I've had phone calls to see how I am, if there's anything they can do, do I need somebody to talk to, can victim support maybe help or give us some information to read through with my children to make them feel safe."
 
When asked whether she would replace the missing mezuzah, she said she believed she would do so eventually but not straight away.
 
"I am proud to be Jewish and if I don't put the mezuzah back in my door then in my eyes I'm giving in to some people's small mindedness and wanting for us not to be here," she said, adding that she was also concerned about her children's safety. 

Hertsmere Chief Inspector Mark Bilsdon said victims were “understandably shaken” and will be offered extra support from a trained hate crime officer.
 
He added: “I would like to make it clear to the local Jewish community that we will not tolerate antisemitism. Please be reassured that thorough enquiries are being carried out to find those responsible and get justice. 
 
“We have currently got extra patrols in place across Hertsmere; please don’t be afraid to approach us with any concerns when you see us out and about. I would also like to reassure you that we have reported these incidents centrally so that it can feed into the wider intelligence picture across the UK.”
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 with the crime reference numbers 41/36556/21 and 41/36605/21.

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive