Antisemitic graffiti reported repeatedly in Tower Hamlets amid enforcement questions

Jewish residents and community figures in East London have raised concerns about repeated antisemitic graffiti in parts of Tower Hamlets, as questions continue over enforcement and prevention despite police investigations and regular clean-up efforts.

The graffiti, most commonly bearing the slogan “Israel kills kids”, has appeared on walls and public-facing infrastructure near Victoria Park, Roman Road and Mile End, including areas close to canal towpaths. Residents say the same wording and handwriting recur, leading them to believe the incidents are linked.

Martin Sugarman, chair of Hackney Jewish War Veterans, has repeatedly reported the graffiti to Tower Hamlets Council, the Metropolitan Police and the Canal & River Trust (CRT). He said the slogans reappear frequently despite being removed.

Sugarman has criticised what he sees as a lack of enforcement, arguing that repeated clean-ups alone are insufficient. He has called on both the council and police to consider prosecution for criminal damage and hate offences, and to use available powers to prevent further incidents.

Tower Hamlets Council said it takes discriminatory or hateful graffiti “extremely seriously” and acts swiftly when incidents are reported.

A council spokesperson said: “While the responsibility for maintaining the canal area lies with the Canal & River Trust, the Council intervened on this occasion due to the urgency of the situation. Recently, the Council immediately removed antisemitic graffiti on the same day it was reported and referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police.

“Tower Hamlets had a proud history of standing up to all forms of racism and prejudice, and we remain committed to ensuring that our borough has no place for hate.”

Responding to Jewish News, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said an investigation was launched on Wednesday, 18 September 2024 into antisemitic graffiti near Twig Folley Close and Palmers Road, E2.

“A range of enquiries were carried out, but we were not able to identify a suspect,” the spokesperson said.

Police said they were also aware of a further incident at the same location on Thursday, 3 October 2024, adding that the two incidents were believed to be linked and that all lines of enquiry had been exhausted at this time.

The spokesperson said the Met understood concern within Jewish communities, particularly following the recent antisemitic terror attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, and confirmed that visible patrols had been increased across London, with neighbourhood teams stepping up engagement with Jewish communities.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 01/7258794/24.

The Canal & River Trust said it had received 17 reports of antisemitic graffiti across its canal network in London and the South East between January and December this year.

A CRT spokesperson said the charity prioritises the removal of hate and offensive graffiti and that identifying and removing such material is now part of the central London team’s routine duties. The trust said it responds both proactively and to reports from the public.

Where there is clear evidence identifying those responsible for vandalism of trust property, CRT said it would work with the police and share relevant information. While declining to comment on individual cases, it confirmed that licence suspension has been considered in the past in relation to serious criminal incidents.

CRT also noted that some graffiti reported as canal-related is located on adjacent land, including walls owned by Tower Hamlets Council near Mile End and Victoria Park.

Sugarman said he remained concerned that the repeated appearance of the graffiti risked normalising antisemitic abuse in public spaces if left unchecked.