A rabbi from Salford says increased policing in Broughton is “calming tension” after Greater Manchester Police stepped up their presence in the area, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
This increase is a part of Project Servator, a policing tactic which aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity by implementing officers in certain areas of the community.
Yossi Chazan, Rabbi of the Holy Law synagogue in South Broughton, has noted the increase of officers in the area since 7 October, the date of the first attack by the Hamas group on Israel.
He said: “There have been both police patrolling on foot and more police cars in the area since the 7th October.”
Rabbi Chazan summarised how the policing presence is being perceived by the community.
He said: “The policing presence is definitely reassuring and it is calming tension. However, there is a sense of fear in our community at the moment, people are apprehensive about what is to come.”
Rabbi Chazan also spoke of how some members of the congregation have faced some anti-Semitism since the conflict in the middle east arose at the start of the month.
“On the 8 October, the day after the first attack, two members of my congregation were walking home late at night after attending a party at my house.
“The two men were walking along the road when a car drove past them, stopped, proceeded to reverse and the tried to run the two men over.
“This was just only one day after the conflict started.”
However, today the force has come under fire after a video has emerged of a Police Community Support officer removing posters of kidnapped Israelis in Prestwich, a predominantly Jewish area of Manchester.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has criticized the force, stating: “We understand this occurred in response to complaints, but it is against GMP’s own guidance and should not have happened.”
“We have been assured by GMP that they will reinforce guidance with staff and ensure posters can be lawfully displayed around our city region,” he added.
“We fully appreciate that this incident has been hurtful to our Jewish community. We will continue to ensure that our communities are protected and kept safe.”
In a statement, Greater Manchester police said, “We know the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing great distress to members of Greater Manchester’s Jewish community and our thoughts remain with them at this time.
“The force has increased engagement with representatives, including the Community Service Trust, to ensure that they feel heard and understood by GMP and to ensure their safety within the city and our neighbourhoods.”
Recent Comments