Media bias: anti-Semitic attack on London synangogue was just a ‘break-in’
So. What do we know about the attack on a synagogue in London’s Stamford Hill, a building and a place with notable Jewish populations?
The BBC says police have made six arrests following the attack. The BBC says the attack is “what police have described as an ‘anti-Semitic’ incident.”
We don’t get to know what the BBC describes it as – maybe it was ‘an interrupted stroll in the world’s most vibrant city’, ‘football-related violence’ or ‘an incident linked to Israel’s actions in the Middle East’?
The BBC then adds:
Police said one man had made an anti-Semitic comment.
Look, let’s not rush to judgement. Until we see the jackboots and the smell the gas, let’s not panic. Sit tight. Reason. It’s ok. Relax.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman says:
“The incident is being treated as an anti-Semitic incident, due to remarks made by one of the group. At this early stage, there is no suggestion that this was a far-right or extremist attack but rather the completely unacceptable actions of a drunken group.”
Why not a Far-Left attack? An Islamist attack? An attack by liberal dinner-party guests? They all hate the Jews, too. Why in matters of race do the far-Right always hog the headlines? Where’s the equality, dammit?
Rabbi Maurice Davis, of the attacked Ahavas Torah synagogue, tells the BBC:
“I think this incident was more anti-social than anti-Semitic.”
Maybe, Maurice. Maybe they didn’t know it was a synangogue.
Here are a few view of the synangogue’s front before and after the fracas (via Hackney Hive):
Ahavas Torah
The Telegraph says the Rabbi is incorrect. This was a racist attack:
The anti-Semitic abuse was hurled by the group of men and women as they first beat up a young man outside before chasing him inside, breaking windows and attacking others.
And the Mail agrees:
The Mail notes:
Drunken mob of 20 thugs shouted ‘kill the Jews’ as they stormed a synagogue in north London smashing windows and attacking worshippers inside
The socially cohesion the rabbi applauds might be the sound of the enemy at the gates.
The attack, which led to four men and two women being arrested, comes amid concerns about an increase of anti-Semitic attacks across Europe.
A Jewish patrol group, which works to reduce violence against Jews, said it had stepped up patrols in the area.
That’s the Shomrim. You can read more about them here.
In a shocking video filmed at the scene, chairs are seen being flung against the double doors, shattering panes of glass, as men shout profanities at those desperately barricading the doors.
Those inside then start to fight back by throwing parts of broken chairs around the synagogue. This morning, a mound of broken furniture and trails of blood could be seen strewn across the building. The incident is said to have taken place after the group attacked a young Jewish man outside the building, who is not a member of the synagogue. As he ran inside for refuge, the thugs chased him inside.
A few worshippers say they’re sure it was an anti-Semitic attack.
The Rabbi maintains it was more probably a typical street fight that got out of hand.
Maybe the Guardian can help us decide what it was and wasn’t? Its headline makes the BBC look ballsy:
Police investigate London synagogue break-in
Was anything stolen?
Such are the facts in a media that takes sides…
Time for a joke:
Two Rabbis are standing before a firing squad in Czarist Russia. Their crime? Being Jewish. So the Cossack captain heading the firing squad looks at Abie and Yankele and shouts, “Jews, take off your hats.” Abie takes off his hat. But Yankele says, “No, I won’t take off my hat.” So Abie leans over to Yankele and whispers, “Yankele, don’t make trouble.”
Posted: 22nd, March 2015 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
