Break in at StandWithUs London office – ‘threatening’ message left at scene
EXCLUSIVE: A burning Yahrzeit memorial candle was left alongside one of the Israel educational charity's campaign t-shirts
The London headquarters of a pro-Israel educational charity was broken into on Tuesday evening, with a lit yahrzeit memorial candle placed next to one of the organisation’s t-shirts.
StandWithUs, based in north London, reported the crime to the police and Community Security Trust (CST), who have launched investigations using the premise’s CCTV footage. The organisation has interpreted the placing of the lit memorial candle beside an item of its branded clothing as “a violent and threatening message aimed at our staff”.
StandWithUS said: “On the morning of Israel Independence Day, staff at StandWithUs UK arrived at their office to find it had been broken into. In a calculated attack, the perpetrators broke through the ceiling into the office and left a lit memorial candle placed next to a StandWithUs t-shirt.
“The implication of this is clear – they are sending a violent and threatening message aimed at our organisation and our staff.
“We want to reassure our community that we take this threat seriously. We have reached out to the Police and the Community Security Trust (CST) and are working closely with them as they investigate.”
StandWithUs UK executive director, Isaac Zarfati said: “Our staff were shaken but are determined. We remain committed to our mission, of working tirelessly towards countering antisemitism and misinformation about Israel, regardless of this hateful attempt to intimidate us. This intimidation is indicative of what Jewish and Zionist students face regularly from those who seek to discriminate against them. It will not stand.”
Jewish News understands nothing was stolen.
Dave Rich, director of policy at CST, told Jewish News: “”We are aware of the break in at the StandWithUs office which they reported to us first thing this morning. We have visited the site and will be working with StandWithUs and the police to assist their investigation and to advise on ways to enhance their security.”
Jewish News continues to follow the story.
comments