Police have opened an investigation after a student from Hasmonean Boys was allegedly attacked in Belsize Park in a suspected hate crime.
The incident is alleged to have occurred in Havertsock Hill on Friday afternoon and the pupil is reported to have returned to school afterwards.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police told the JC: “At around 1.30pm on Friday, September 4, police received reports of an assault on Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park.
“Officers quickly attended a nearby school and spoke with a teenage boy, who reported that he had been assaulted by two other boys.
“The incident is currently being investigated as a hate crime, and enquiries are ongoing.
“The Met does not tolerate antisemitic behaviour and remains committed to tackling all forms of hate crime and supporting those affected by it.”
It has not been confirmed if the boy was visibly Jewish but Hasmonean’s dress code specifically states that a kippah and tzitzit must be worn at all times throughout the day.
The incident was also reported to the Community Security Trust (CST), which said: “We are aware of an incident involving Jewish pupils and are working closely with the school and police to provide support and reassurance.
“We urge anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has any information, to contact the police or CST.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) posted on X: “Police are appealing for information about three boys after reports of a Jewish boy being viciously attacked outside Belsize Park station at the end of last week.
“The boy was on his way home from Hasmonean Boys Middle School... on Friday afternoon when the alleged attack occurred. We are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the police.”
A spokesperson from Hasmonean Boys told the JC that the incident affected more than one student, writing: “Last week some of our students at the... school were physically attacked by other teenagers on their way home from school.
“Such incidents thankfully are rare; however, when they do happen, they are always reported to the police and CST.
“Pastoral care is in place for the students concerned, and the police are investigating the matter.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD3541 of September 4.
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