Protecting the Jewish community across High Holy Days

Police in Hertfordshire will be stepping up visible presence in key areas during the Jewish High Holy Days to provide additional reassurance to communities.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to tackling the national rise in antisemitic hate crimes. The county is home to one of the country’s largest Jewish populations and in July, it was announced that the force has been granted additional funding to support this work.

With Rosh Hashana starting today (Friday 11 September), increased patrols will be underway at key locations and synagogues.

Officers are in continuous talks with local Jewish community leaders to ensure patrols are being targeted in the right locations.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Simpson said: “We are committed to keeping the Jewish community safe during this key religious festival and we welcomed the additional funding that was granted in July.

“We know the Jewish community are feeling vulnerable and we are taking our commitment seriously. We announced yesterday that a man has been charged following an antisemitic incident outside a Borehamwood synagogue in May. It had been reported that a man had given a Nazi salute. This is why our work to protect the Jewish community is so important and we will continue protecting all communities across Hertfordshire from hate.

“A combination of uniformed, plain-clothes and armed patrols will be stepped up across the High Holy Days. We are also continuing to work closely with the Community Security Trust, the charity which protests British Jews from antisemitism and terrorism.

“I’d like to wish all those celebrating a happy and peaceful time and please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our patrolling officers about any concerns.”

A Community Security Trust spokesperson said: “The High Holy Days always require extensive security planning and preparation, and this year is no exception. CST has worked closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary to ensure that robust security measures are in place. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to protecting the Jewish community and helping people attend synagogue and celebrate the festivals safely.”

If you see anything that doesn’t feel right report via the government website at  https://act.campaign.gov.uk/. In an emergency always call 999. 

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. 

Please note a Herts Connected message issued yesterday said that Kamil Mach, aged 19, of Holywell Road, Watford would be appearing in court on Wednesday 16 October, charged with a racially/religiously aggravated Section 5 public order offence. This was an error and should have read Friday 16 October.