All aboard the Jewish News Chanukah bus to Oxford Street!
Jewish youngsters who suffered horrific antisemitic abuse on a Chanukah bus ride in central London last year return to the scene in a symbolic act of pride and defiance... on board the Jewish News party double decker
A group of Jewish youngsters who suffered horrific antisemitic abuse on a Chanukah bus ride in Oxford Street last year have retraced their steps in a symbolic act of pride and defiance.
The event was hosted by Jewish News to show our community “will not be cowed by hate”.
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer said: “We are proud to arrange this special occasion for those who went through such an ordeal 12 months ago. We must not let a hateful minority obscure the fact that Britain is a safe and welcoming place.”
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In October this year, the Met Police said it had dropped an investigation into the November 2021 incident after failing to identify the youths who were filmed hurling antisemitic abuse and even shoes at the bus by those onboard.
Chabad Rabbi Shneor Glitsenstein, wholed last year’s bus trip, teamed up with Jewish News to book another double-decker to take the same route this year, even taking some of the same participants.
Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer said: “We were proud to arrange this special occasion for those who went through such an ordeal 12 months ago. We must not let a hateful minority obscure the fact that Britain is a safe and welcoming place for minorities.”
The Routemaster bus took the 40-strong group from Temple Fortune in north-west London to Oxford Street to light Chanukah candles. Some of those who experienced the abuse in November last year used the opportunity to reflect on what happened and explain why this journey sends an important message.
The participants people told of running back to the bus last year after a group approached them and chanted antisemitic slurs. Masud, 29, who was among them, said objects were thrown at “terrified” children. He added: “I think this is a great success, we have the right security and protection, some people were very extreme last year.
“I thought England was about being against antisemitism and I can’t help thinking, if there was no security it might not be safe here at all.”
Rabbi Shneor Glitsenstein, who helped organise the event, said: “Today is proof that all of the communities want to accept each other and allow Jewish people to celebrate safely.”
Adrian Cohen, co-chair of the London Jewish Forum and Adam Hug, leader of Westminster Council, attended the event.
Cohen said: “The London Jewish Forum was delighted to participate in the return of Chanukah to Oxford Street. With many thanks to Rabbis Lew and Glitsenstein with the help of Councillor Hug and Westminster City Council and Jewish News. It is very important not just to the Jewish community but to London as a vibrant multicultural city that we should be able to publicly celebrate our faith and traditions in this great city of ours.”
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Hug told Jewish News: “‘I was delighted to be able to welcome the Jewish community to celebrate Chanukah on Oxford Street this year to show solidarity from the people of Westminster after the awful events of last year.”
Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer said: “This is a terrific initiative after the events of last year, showcasing the diversity of the UK, its people of faith and none, living harmoniously alongside each other.”
In-flight snacks of kosher doughnuts, crisps and water were generously supplied by Kosher Kingdom. Thanks also to Surrey Limo for providing the Routemaster bus.
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