Community Tensions Flare as Jewish Resident Faces Threats Amidst Efforts to Address Redbridge Flag Display Issue

A Palestinian flag sticker like this resulted in the verbal assault of a local Jewish man. 

A Jewish man returning from a meal with friends in Central London found himself subjected to a verbal assault and threatened with physical violence after attempting to remove a pro-Palestine sticker from a lamppost in Woodford, located in the London Borough of Redbridge.

During the verbal exchange, the man was subjected to derogatory language, being called a "F****** Jew," threatened with violence, and warned that the assailant would summon companions from his local mosque.

Shaken but determined to protect himself, the man responded by also recording the latter stages of the verbal assault as he and his wife walked away from the dangerous situation.

Watch footage of the incident here

.On Sunday, February 18th, at approximately 7:30 pm, a Jewish couple in their 40s returned to their hometown of Woodford after dining with friends in Central London. As they embarked on their 7-minute journey home, they noticed pro-Palestine stickers adorning local lampposts. The husband referred to as RD, took offense to the stickers and attempted to remove the nearest one. However, as he began, a local Muslim man began shouting expletives at him, questioning if he was a Zionist, threatening him with violence, and indicating his intention to contact members of his local mosque while filming RD. He made it explicitly clear to RD that the footage would be used to identify him for a potential mass attack.

Image of offensive stickers before RD blackened them because they were too well stuck to remove.

At this juncture, RD also commenced filming the same incident on his phone, to safeguard himself and his wife, hoping to provide the footage to the police later. The video vividly portrays the intense hostility directed at RD, who had no visible markers of his Jewish heritage, but was still called a 'f****** Jew'. He can be heard being verbally assaulted, labeled with derogatory terms, and threatened with violence, all while his wife and other bystanders attempted to defuse the escalating confrontation.

After blackening out

In the recorded footage, the assailant can be heard shouting, "Don't do that! Don't do that! Don't! I'm not talking to you - move," addressing RD's wife who tried to calm the situation. He further warns, "Don't ever do that again! Don't ever do that again in my area. Shall I call the police because you just damaged property... f******* c***. This is my area."

The video also captures the intervention of another Muslim man, who was among the local individuals attempting to de-escalate the situation. He walked away with the couple, ensuring their safety—a gesture that serves as a poignant reminder that the majority of people in Redbridge, regardless of their faith, share a common desire for peace and safety. 

As RD and his wife walked away, the man continued to shout expletives, including the unmistakably antisemitic slur "f****** Jew." Despite this hostility, RD and his wife engaged with the Muslim man who had intervened, appreciating his assistance as he escorted them and helped de-escalate the situation amidst significant provocation.

On Monday, February 19th, 2024, RD and his wife reported the crime at Chingford Police Station, initiating an active investigation into the incident.

RD spoke with Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, and recounted, "Before I began filming, the man who conducted the verbal assault had already threatened violence. Once I started recording, he then claimed he was not being violent, citing the presence of others around him as a deterrent to his aggression. However, this did not deter his antisemitic remarks."

"My wife and I have been deeply shaken by the attack, and we fear that the footage taken by the man may be used against us, potentially leading to further attacks. It's alarming to think that simply expressing our offense and removing stickers from a lamppost—clearly intended to intimidate local Jewish people—could result in such hostility towards us."

"While these stickers, flags, and graffiti may appear innocuous to those who do not understand the sentiments of myself and other Jewish individuals, they carry a weight of hate that is palpable. The man who verbally assaulted us in the filmed incident exemplifies this hate, leaving us feeling fearful and uncertain about our safety in our own community. We are left wondering about the intentions of those who live in our area and what threats they may pose to us."

"I was born and raised in this area, and I have always strived to live peacefully with others. Generally, I have found that this behaviour has been reciprocated."

"The recent displays of hostility and the lack of protection from the authorities, whose duty is to safeguard us, are significantly impacting the quality of life for local Jews. I fear that the very fabric of our diverse society is gradually unravelling due to their inaction."

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of United by Faith, expressed his dismay, stating:

"After viewing RD's video, I am appalled by the baseless accusation that RD was the one causing criminal damage.

"It is evident that the Muslim assailant perceives the placement of Palestinian flags as somehow lawful.

"It appears that the failure of Redbridge Council to promptly remove pro-Palestinian flags, stickers, and graffiti from public street furniture is interpreted as tacit support for antisemitic perpetrators.

"This neglect of duty is fueling increased provocations and attacks on our local Jewish community. In my view, the inaction of Redbridge authorities renders them complicit.

"It could be argued that the Israel/Gaza conflict has polarized our society, regardless of the placement and removal of flags. However, it cannot be denied that by neglecting to remove these flags, the council has failed in its absolute duty and enabled the intimidation of a specific group of people in our community. 

"The fact that individuals from a frightened community feel compelled to remove offensive material from the streets they walk along, simply for the sake of maintaining their safety, is utterly appalling."

"Redbridge Council's pattern of failure must cease."

Mr. Chowdhry has been vocal about his concerns regarding the proliferation of Palestinian flags and graffiti, and he has actively engaged with Redbridge Council on this issue. His efforts include raising a question during the last Full Council Meeting on January 25th, 2024. You can view the entire meeting video on Redbridge Council's website by clicking here. Additionally, a clip featuring Mr. Chowdhry's question to Redbridge Council is available for viewing below.

Mr Chowdhry will be leading a 7 person deputation at the next Redbridge Cabinet Council Meeting.