Youths reportedly direct Nazi salutes at Jewish family on Canvey Island in Essex

A group of youths has reportedly directed Nazi salutes at an orthodox Jewish family on Canvey Island in Essex. A woman who witnessed the incident but asked not to be identified, told the Echo News that “We have a lovely family of orthodox Jews living near us. The family were outside minding their own business when three kids rode past on scooters — no older than 8-9 yrs old — stopped to take the time to do the Nazi salute. How rude and disrespectful. Total scumbags.”

Joel Friedman, a member of the local Jewish community posted a response to the alleged incident on social media. He said that: “Every single one of us orthodox Jews lost numerous relatives during the Holocaust. My grandparents lost the vast majority of their families and barely made it out alive. I’ve had plenty of Nazi salutes and Heil Hitlers thrown my way over the years and [it reminds] me of my grandfather with whom I was extremely close.”

He added that “In the vast majority of cases the perpetrators are teenagers, bored and uneducated if I my say so. Since my move to Canvey just over a year ago, personally I have had little negative experiences. The absolute vast majority are friendly, supportive, accepting and just treat us as equals — which is what we all are. I am so proud of Canvey and of its residents, neighbours, shop owners etc — you are all such a friendly bunch and supportive and for this I thank you from the depth of my heart.”

The Echo News reported that a community of orthodox charedi Jews had begun moving to the island from Stamford Hill “after being forced out of London by high rents.” The newspaper said that they chose Canvey Island “due to the community spirit and the former Castle View School site which they have bought and will turn into a Jewish school.”