Jewish 14-year-old allegedly asked by gang of four whether he is Jewish, then robbed, four teenagers in custody
Just before 10:30 this morning, a 14-year-old Jewish boy walking along the towpath of the River Lea in Hackney was approached by a gang of four teenagers of Asian or Middle Eastern appearance who asked him: “Are you Jewish?”. When he replied in the affirmative, the teenagers allegedly grabbed him, searched his pockets and stole his wallet. Stamford Hill Shomrim, a Jewish volunteer neighbourhood watch patrol, deployed immediately and were able to gain sight of the suspects. The Shomrim volunteers radioed their control room which relayed information to the Metropolitan Police Service until officers arrived at the scene. A chase ensued during which one of the suspects allegedly sought to flee by jumping into the river, but together, Shomrim volunteers and police officers were able to apprehend all four suspects who have now been arrested.
Meir Taub from Stamford Hill Shomrim said “This victim was left extremely shaken and crying after this incident, Shomrim stayed with him until the police arrived and we are continuing to support him. I want to thank Hackney Police for their major response which enabled all the suspects to be apprehended.”
These disgusting attacks on Jewish schoolchildren by teenage criminals must be met with the full force of the law. We commend the volunteers of Stamford Hill Shomrim and police officers who responded so quickly. Questions must be asked as to why teenagers are targeting Jewish children in the first place. Children are the future of our society, and these horrifying acts must be brought to an end.
This incident comes on the heels of an incident yesterday in which an autistic Jewish schoolgirl was pelted with eggs by youths outside her specialist Jewish school. The youths were able to escape on bicycles.
#Shomrim followed 4 males after a 14y/o boy was robbed by youths who asked "are you Jewish". Four suspects chased & arrested by @MPSHackney pic.twitter.com/2DSOcl8B45
— Shomrim (Stamford Hill) (@Shomrim) May 19, 2017