Man arrested after mosques, businesses and the Palestinian Mission vandalised with red paint in West London

November 29, 2023 Article

The Metropolitan Police arrested a 61-year-old on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage on Monday (November 27) following the target of mosques and businesses in west London and the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith with red paint.

In a statement, the force confirmed the arrest of the individual in Ealing, with the twelve offences occurring across the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham between October 16 and November 18.

The diplomatic mission for Palestinians had also spoken about death threats towards staff in a recent statement: “On Saturday, 18 November, 2023, at 23.05 the Palestinian Mission to the UK was attacked and vandalised. In addition to death threats, damage to vehicles and vandalism of property, this is the fourth attack in the last few weeks.”

We also highlighted the ongoing targeting of Acton Central Mosque with red paint in recent weeks, as a Syrian café and the Masjid Ezzeitouna faced vandalism with red paint, Asian Image reported.

The man remains in custody.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, who leads the investigation, made clear: “Hate crime has no place in London. Its effects run far deeper than property damage, and the impact on victims can linger beyond the removal of the paint. Officers have been working incredibly hard to identify the individual responsible for these offences and provide the relevant support and reassurance to those affected.

“The victims are being supported by dedicated faith officers, and neighbourhood teams have changed their patrol times and routes to provide additional reassurance.”

Tell MAMA is liaising with the Metropolitan Police further, and we endeavour to provide more updates where possible.

 

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Categories: hate crime, Israel Palestine, London, mosque, News, Palestine, vandalism

Man arrested after mosques, businesses and the Palestinian Mission vandalised with red paint in West London

November 29, 2023 Article

The Metropolitan Police arrested a 61-year-old on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage on Monday (November 27) following the target of mosques and businesses in west London and the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith with red paint.

In a statement, the force confirmed the arrest of the individual in Ealing, with the twelve offences occurring across the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham between October 16 and November 18.

The diplomatic mission for Palestinians had also spoken about death threats towards staff in a recent statement: “On Saturday, 18 November, 2023, at 23.05 the Palestinian Mission to the UK was attacked and vandalised. In addition to death threats, damage to vehicles and vandalism of property, this is the fourth attack in the last few weeks.”

We also highlighted the ongoing targeting of Acton Central Mosque with red paint in recent weeks, as a Syrian café and the Masjid Ezzeitouna faced vandalism with red paint, Asian Image reported.

The man remains in custody.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, who leads the investigation, made clear: “Hate crime has no place in London. Its effects run far deeper than property damage, and the impact on victims can linger beyond the removal of the paint. Officers have been working incredibly hard to identify the individual responsible for these offences and provide the relevant support and reassurance to those affected.

“The victims are being supported by dedicated faith officers, and neighbourhood teams have changed their patrol times and routes to provide additional reassurance.”

Tell MAMA is liaising with the Metropolitan Police further, and we endeavour to provide more updates where possible.

 

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Categories: hate crime, Israel Palestine, London, mosque, News, Palestine, vandalism

Tell MAMA recorded 895 anti-Muslim cases in six weeks

November 22, 2023 Article

Tell MAMA recorded 895 anti-Muslim cases in the six weeks that followed Hamas’s deadly terror attacks.

Our latest figures cover October 7 to November 19, demonstrating a six-fold increase in cases from the 2022 figure of 142 cases (110 offline, 32 online).

Like with our previous statistical bulletins, we provide a brief geographic breakdown of where offline cases occurred.

Of the 401 offline cases, 69 occurred in London, 41 in the northwest, 10 in South Yorkshire, 21 in West Yorkshire, 12 in the East Midlands and 21 in the West Midlands. In other areas, like the South East and South West of England, we recorded 7 cases in each area respectively. The final geographic areas concern Scotland (7), Wales (2), and the North East (11).

In terms of categories, Tell MAMA received 266 cases of abusive behaviour, 31 threats, 33 assaults, 26 acts of vandalism, 21 cases of discrimination, 19 acts of hate speech and 5 examples of anti-Muslim literature.

Across the online sphere, including major social media platforms to Telegram and other digital platforms, we received 493 cases.

Like all Tell MAMA cases, the figures are subject to further revision and analysis.

Our previous bulletins highlighted the worrying levels of anti-Muslim dehumanisation online, the targeting of mosques, and concerns about anti-Muslim language and behaviours at places of education.

We told the Guardian newspaper earlier this month that: “Students and staff are feeling particularly anxious and unsafe at the moment and questioning whether they should wear Islamic clothing on campus, show solidarity for Palestine, or even discuss publicly what is happening in Israel and Palestine, for fear of being targeted.”

On November 10, Tell MAMA highlighted how a couple when out shopping in Marylebone in central London, faced a death threat and abuse from a woman they had earlier challenged for the abusive and racist comments she made about London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Palestinian communities.

Standing together, not apart

In the current climate, we reiterate, that not just in ‘No2h8November’ that we urge communities to stand together and practice compassion and care for each other and for themselves, to be upstanders and intervene safely to stop racism and hate crime, and we urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it may unduly influence discussions online and offline.

Safety advice

We urge mosques and Islamic centres to download our mosque safety advice resources and to consider our updated mosque security advice service.

We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.

Our counselling service is there for anyone in need. If you would like to access the service or find out more about it, e-mail us at counselling@tellmamauk.org

In any emergency, dial 999.

 

 

 

 

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Categories: hate crime, Israel Palestine, News

Family takes down Palestinian flag after firework put through their letterbox

November 15, 2023 Article

A Muslim family were left fearful and angry after someone put a firework through their letterbox on Halloween which they believe was due to them hanging a Palestinian flag outside of their property.

The horrifying situation might have proved far worse had a family member not risked their safety by grabbing the firework (which seconds earlier was pushed through their letterbox) and removing it – requiring hospitalisation for burns to their hand. This week, they had the bandages removed.

They consented for us to share their story anonymously to help raise awareness.

The family removed the Palestinian flag from their house, fearing for their safety, and encouraged a neighbour to do the same.

Tell MAMA is liaising with the Met Police further to ensure a thorough hate crime investigation occurs.

We recorded a seven-fold increase in anti-Muslims in the month that followed Hamas’s deadly terror attacks.

Previous bulletins highlighted broader anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian abuse, harassment, vandalism and violence.

Get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Alternatively, please leave us a WhatsApp message at 0734 184 6086.

 

 

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Categories: hate crime, Israel Palestine, MET Police, News

Met Police investigating death threat against couple who challenged anti-Muslim & anti-Palestinian hate

November 10, 2023 Article

A couple, when out shopping in Marylebone in central London, faced a death threat and abuse from a woman they had earlier challenged for the abusive and racist comments she made about London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Palestinian communities.

Speaking to Tell MAMA, and wishing to remain anonymous, described how the woman targeted a fellow shopper by calling them a “Hamas supporter.”

The woman then burst into a horrendous rant, full of anti-Muslim statements about Sadiq Khan, including unfounded conspiracies about him “cancelling Christmas,” until various upstanders, challenged her vile behaviour.

“I told her politely, what you’re saying is racist and wrong, you need to leave the store,” he recalled, adding that the incident occurred in the early evening of November 9.

The woman, however, began making further abhorrent, dehumanising, and racist comments about killing Palestinians, he added.

Unbeknownst to the couple was that the perpetrator was waiting for them on the high street, confronting them several minutes later.

When outside, the perpetrator repeated her vile comments whilst filming the couple without their consent, before aggressively stating both “should be killed” and making a gunshot noise at them.

Following a discussion with Tell MAMA’s Casework Team, they consented for us to make a police report on their behalf.

We will endeavour to provide updates on the case where possible in due time.

Tell MAMA recorded a seven-fold increase in anti-Muslim cases a month after the deadly Hamas terror attacks, recording 701 cases (326 offline, 375 online). Coverage of the rise appeared on ITV News yesterday evening.

To reiterate, following the publication of our latest stats, we urged communities that “In the current climate, we continue to urge communities to stand together and practice compassion and care for each other and for themselves, to be upstanders and intervene safely to stop racism and hate crime, and we urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it may unduly influence discussions online and offline.”

Get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Alternatively, please leave us a WhatsApp message at 0734 184 6086.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Categories: hate crime, Hate Speech, News, Palestine

‘I was terrified’: Islamophobic incidents up by 600% in UK since Hamas attack

November 10, 2023 Article

ITV News Correspondent Rebecca Barry spoke to three people who are fearful for the future amid a rise in Islamophobic incidents in the UK

Figures shared with ITV News show a sevenfold increase in Islamophobic hate crimes since Hamas’ attack on October 7 compared to the same period last year.

There has also been a tenfold increase in cases at schools and universities, according to reports collated by Tell MAMA, a charity which records anti-Muslim incidents in the UK.

The 600% rise in incidents includes both verbal and physical abuse, as well as vandalism, with Acton Mosque in west London being splashed with red paint three times in two weeks.

On October 8, Lancashire police launched a hate crime investigation, following the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed mosque in the market town of Barnoldswick.

‘Punched and told to leave Britain’: Islamophobia reaches record high

ITV News heard from one woman from north London who “curled up into a ball”, as a driver started following her down the road and hurling abuse.

Aisha said she was wearing a traditional Arabic headscarf and her headphones when the woman accosted her – accusing her of supporting terror organisations and saying she “doesn’t belong here”.

“As I was walking up my road, suddenly I had someone just screaming and shouting some really hateful things about me. I was in a state of shock, I wasn’t sure what to do, I was terrified.”

“At one point I was just standing in the corner, I put my hood up, and I was just standing and just kind of waiting until she’d left, and just hiding myself and curling up into a ball.”

Haleem Kherallah, owner of Palestinian eatery Shakeshuka, said his central London restaurant had received 20 abusive phone calls this morning alone, with two members of staff having left in fear for their safety.

“I was really considering closing the restaurant,” he said. “Then I thought, you know what I’m not going to give up, and I’m determined not to let them win.”

Tell MAMA shared its findings as Home Secretary Suella Braverman faces widespread criticism for her description of pro-Palestine rallies in London as “hate marches”.

She found herself in even more hot water and was accused of inflaming tensions after suggesting police were “playing favourites” with protesters, in an op-ed for the Times that was not authorised by Number 10.

Haleem Kherallah says his restaurant has been inundated with abusive phone calls. Credit: ITV News

“Some of the rhetoric used by those in positions of power is poisonous, is divisive and this culture war is only going to lead to further hatred and hostility between communities,” said Qari Asim, an Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque.

Tell MAMA warns that incidents are likely to be even higher than their figures suggest, as many hate crimes go unreported.

On its website, which includes safety advice, the charity says: “In the current climate, we continue to urge communities to stand together and practice compassion and care for each other and for themselves, to be upstanders and intervene safely to stop racism and hate crime.

“We urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it may unduly influence discussions online and offline.”

Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Zara Mohammed told ITV News: “I think the political rhetoric of the home secretary – very divisive language, very dangerous, pitting communities off one another, likening peaceful protests to hate marches, peddling to certain tropes – have been very unhelpful.

“They have upset many members of the community, and I think far and wide actually, but also they embolden extreme right-wing views. They embolden racism and Islamophobia, and they give people who maybe were a little bit in the shadows this kind of confidence that they can do these things.”

For more details, please read here

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Categories: News

Tell MAMA records seven-fold increase in anti-Muslim cases in one month

November 9, 2023 Article

The updated figures correct till November 7 total 701 anti-Muslim cases to Tell MAMA – a seven-fold increase for the same period last year (75 offline and 25 online cases) following the deadly Hamas terror attacks on October 7.

326 Offline cases

(212 cases of abusive behaviour, 28 threatening behaviour, 29 assaults, 24 vandalism, 16 discrimination, 17 hate speech and 5 anti-Muslim literature). Cases occurred in areas like London (209), Northwest (39), South Yorkshire (9), West Yorkshire (17), East Midlands (9) and West Midlands (17), Southeast (5), Southwest (5), North East (9), Wales (2), Scotland (5).

Like all Tell MAMA cases, the figures are subject to further revision and analysis.

We have monitored an increase in specific language related to the attacks and ensuing conflict in universities and schools, Anti-Muslim language on campuses including calling Muslims (or those perceived as Muslims) ‘terrorists’ has been commonplace. While linking Muslims to terrorism is one of the most common forms of abuse that Tell MAMA records throughout each year, the aftermath of the terror attacks in October and the conflict has since created a deeply hostile environment on campus and social media that has accelerated the use of such hateful tropes targeting Muslim communities. The number of university cases reported to Tell MAMA is 33 in total versus three cases over the same period last year. Meanwhile, 31 incidents were related to the school sector.

It is alarming that vandals targeted Acton Mosque three times in just two weeks. Vandals also targeted a Syrian cafe with red paint on October 23.

Several days ago, we reported on the ongoing police appeals following an arson attack on an Islamic centre in Surrey and the targeting of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society with an empty petrol which referenced the IDF, according to a statement from the mosque. On October 8, Lancashire police launched a hate crime investigation following the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed mosque in the market town of Barnoldswick.

375 Online Cases 

Since October 7, the sheer volume of dehumanising, racialised, and violent language about Muslims, with the most extreme examples calling for genocide – with Muslims compared to rats or viruses from accounts who also call on or suggest a ‘civil war’ will occur on British streets. Similar worrying examples weld the above to broader anti-refugee and anti-migrant narratives about so-called ‘invaders’ and that ‘patriots’ must ‘fight back to stop it’. More broadly, the danger is not only from what appears online, but how it may inspire or motivate individuals to cause harm to Muslims and other communities on our streets.

Standing together, not apart

In the current climate, we continue to urge communities to stand together and practice compassion and care for each other and for themselves, to be upstanders and intervene safely to stop racism and hate crime, and we urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it may unduly influence discussions online and offline.

Safety advice

We urge mosques and Islamic centres to download our mosque safety advice resources and to consider our updated mosque security advice service.

We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.

Our counselling service is there for anyone in need. If you would like to access the service or find out more about it, e-mail us at counselling@tellmamauk.org

In any emergency, dial 999.

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Categories: hate crime, Israel Palestine, News, university

Calls to UK counter-terrorism hotline have doubled since Hamas attack on Israel

November 8, 2023 Article

Reports to a UK police counter-terrorism hotline have more than doubled since the Hamas attack on Israel.

Police said that between October 7 and 25 the anti-terror hotline received around 1,350 reports, more than twice the number of contacts compared to the same period last year.

The number of reports with information useful to investigators went up by nearly four times to 200.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “Sadly, history tells us that events overseas can inspire or accelerate acts of violence much closer to home. We are working day and night with our partners to monitor the threat picture.

“We’re acutely aware of the energising effect the conflict could have on those with extremist or terrorist intent.

“With that in mind, our Counter Terrorism Units across the country are reviewing their casework and checking that operational police activity is as effective as it can be to keep people safe.

“Critical to this work is the support of the public. As the increase in the number of reports to Counter Terrorism Policing in the last month shows, there is a real willingness from our communities to tell us about their concerns.

“To those who have contacted police, thank you, your information can have a huge impact on what we do.”

The national counter-terrorism squad that monitors material online has also seen a rise in referrals, with nearly 2,000 made by the public since October 7.

Of these more than 350 have been found to require further investigation to see if the content breaks terrorism laws.

Police are urging members of the public and businesses to remain alert to the risk of possible terrorist activity over Christmas and the New Year.

Mr Taylor added: “The coming months are filled with brilliant events and activities, where people will be coming together to enjoy the festive season.

“Sadly, we have seen before that terrorists can view these as attractive targets.

“Whilst we are working incredibly hard, with our partners, to make sure you can enjoy this time of year safely – our message is simple, stay alert and trust your instincts.

“Whether you’re a business, an event organiser, a local authority or simply heading out with family and friends, if you see something that doesn’t feel right, please report it.

“You won’t be wasting our time and you could save lives.”

Reports of suspicious activity related to terrorism can be made online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.

Read more: Thousands of children referred to UK’s counter-terrorism scheme, figures show

The post Calls to UK counter-terrorism hotline have doubled since Hamas attack on Israel appeared first on Faith Matters.

Categories: Counter-Terrorism Hotline, Counter-Terrorism Police, Hamas, MET Police, Terrorists

CCTV appeal ongoing following attempted arson at Islamic Centre in Surrey

November 6, 2023 Article

Surrey Police continues to appeal for information following an attempted arson attack on the Molesey Islamic Cultural Centre on October 18.

Credit: Surrey Police

In a statement, the force disclosed that at around 1:45 am the suspect approached a wooden door with what they believe was an instant-lighting BBQ bag. Thankfully, however, the fire did not take hold nor caused significant damage.

A spokesperson for the Islamic centre told SurreyLive about their anguish over the attack and thanked the police for their quick response.

Members of the public can contact Surrey Police either online or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number PR/45230117900. Tell MAMA can pass information to the force anonymously or with your consent.

Since the deadly Hamas terror attacks on October 7, the targeting of mosques in the UK has varied: ranging from vandalism, threats and the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed site in Lancashire.

On October 27, Ealing Council condemned the targeting of Acton Central Mosque with red paint, posting on Twitter/X: “We are aware of an incident at Acton Central Mosque overnight. Paint has been cleaned off by council contractors. Hate crime has no place in Ealing, and we will always oppose it. Our leader & senior officers are in touch with the police & will continue to work with them,” as the Local MP Rupa Huq posted that the mosque was targeted twice in just two weeks.

In Oxford, Thames Valley Police launched a CCTV appeal after a cyclist threw an empty petrol can into the car park of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society on October 28, which the force stated, “had writing on it related to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.” In a statement, the mosque stated that the writing on the can read “IDF Rule” and “IDF”.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured on the bike can call 101 quoting 43230484992. Tell MAMA can do this for you or anonymously.

We urge mosques and Islamic centres to download our mosque safety advice resources and to consider our updated mosque security advice service.

Before the October 7 terror attacks, we reported on the devastating burglary and arson attack on the Al-Falah Institute.

Earlier this year, we published the findings of a joint survey between ITV News and Tell MAMA which revealed that of the 117 mosques surveyed, almost 90 per cent experienced anti-Muslim hate crimes in the previous 12 months, with some mosques describing far-right intimidation and agitations. In one example, someone set fire to a bin outside the mosque. ITV News highlighted examples of “threatening letters, acts of violence, and in one case, having faeces smeared across their walls.”

 

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Categories: hate crime, Islamic centre, Israel Palestine, Lancashire, mosque, News, Oxford, Surrey

CCTV appeal ongoing following attempted arson at Islamic Centre in Surrey

November 6, 2023 Article

Surrey Police continues to appeal for information following an attempted arson attack on the Molesey Islamic Cultural Centre on October 18.

Credit: Surrey Police

In a statement, the force disclosed that at around 1:45 am the suspect approached a wooden door with what they believe was an instant-lighting BBQ bag. Thankfully, however, the fire did not take hold nor caused significant damage.

A spokesperson for the Islamic centre told SurreyLive about their anguish over the attack and thanked the police for their quick response.

Members of the public can contact Surrey Police either online or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number PR/45230117900. Tell MAMA can pass information to the force anonymously or with your consent.

Since the deadly Hamas terror attacks on October 7, the targeting of mosques in the UK has varied: ranging from vandalism, threats and the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed site in Lancashire.

On October 27, Ealing Council condemned the targeting of Acton Central Mosque with red paint, posting on Twitter/X: “We are aware of an incident at Acton Central Mosque overnight. Paint has been cleaned off by council contractors. Hate crime has no place in Ealing, and we will always oppose it. Our leader & senior officers are in touch with the police & will continue to work with them,” as the Local MP Rupa Huq posted that the mosque was targeted twice in just two weeks.

In Oxford, Thames Valley Police launched a CCTV appeal after a cyclist threw an empty petrol can into the car park of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society on October 28, which the force stated, “had writing on it related to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.” In a statement, the mosque stated that the writing on the can read “IDF Rule” and “IDF”.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured on the bike can call 101 quoting 43230484992. Tell MAMA can do this for you or anonymously.

We urge mosques and Islamic centres to download our mosque safety advice resources and to consider our updated mosque security advice service.

Before the October 7 terror attacks, we reported on the devastating burglary and arson attack on the Al-Falah Institute.

Earlier this year, we published the findings of a joint survey between ITV News and Tell MAMA which revealed that of the 117 mosques surveyed, almost 90 per cent experienced anti-Muslim hate crimes in the previous 12 months, with some mosques describing far-right intimidation and agitations. In one example, someone set fire to a bin outside the mosque. ITV News highlighted examples of “threatening letters, acts of violence, and in one case, having faeces smeared across their walls.”

 

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Categories: hate crime, Islamic centre, Israel Palestine, Lancashire, mosque, News, Oxford, Surrey