Jewish schools across London will be closed until Monday for security reasons amid increasing anti-Semitic incidents following Hamas terror attacks

At least four Jewish schools in London must close their doors until Monday to ensure the safety of students following Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel.

Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale told parents last night they would not reopen until next week.

Menorah High School in Neasden also told parents on Thursday evening that it would not reopen until Monday.

In a letter to parents, reported by Sky NewsRabbi Feldman of Torah Vodaas said that while there was “no specific threat to our school,” it was “not a decision that was taken lightly.”

This morning Defense Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News that schools in London would be closed for security reasons and if there was a specific threat.

He said: “Well, there are obviously broader threats that are not specific, including some of the absolutely vile material that we have seen from Hamas, a terrorist organization that is constantly threatening people.”

He added: “So this is really about the safety of the community and the Jewish community making decisions for themselves.” “The government has provided further resources to work with the community.”

He added: “People are very concerned and it’s not surprising when you hear the language used by some of these organizations and their supporters.”

“In the UK, of course, it’s illegal.” (Hamas) are banned…’

Rishi Sunak held a roundtable meeting with Home Secretary Suella Braverman and other senior ministers in Downing Street yesterday

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister announced £3 million in additional funding to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings

This came as Rishi Sunak vowed to “do everything in our power” to ensure the safety of British Jews following violence in the Middle East and a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Britain.

The Prime Minister announced £3 million in additional funding to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings.

This came after Mr Sunak held a roundtable meeting in Downing Street with Home Secretary Suella Braverman and other senior ministers.

They were joined by police chiefs and the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that provides security, protection and advice for the UK Jewish community.

The CST has recorded 139 anti-Semitic incidents in the last four days. This represents a 400 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in west London on Monday evening, where parts of the building were boarded up.

At protests and vigils in central London, the Metropolitan Police arrested three people for assaulting an emergency worker, racially motivated assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

New protests and marches are expected to take place across the UK this weekend.

According to local media, more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed since Saturday when Hamas militants launched attacks.

Israel has also identified 97 hostages held by the terror group. They responded with airstrikes and a siege of the Gaza Strip, and a ground invasion is also expected.

According to Gaza authorities, more than 1,400 Palestinians were killed and more than 6,000 injured.

Mr Sunak said: “This is now the third deadliest terrorist attack in the world since 1970. The UK must and will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel.”

“In moments like these, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel more unsafe.”

“That’s why we must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country.”

“If anything stands in the way of the safety of the Jewish community, we will fix it. “You have our full support.”

The Prime Minister stressed to police chiefs that they had the full support of the government to ensure that any glorification of terrorism was met with the full force of the law.

As examples of recent anti-Semitic incidents, the CST cited a Jewish person who went to synagogue in London on Sunday morning and was called a “dirty Jew” by a stranger who said: “No wonder you are all being raped.”

In north-east London, the CST said a car slowed down outside a synagogue before the vehicle’s occupants shouted “Kill Jews” and “Death to Israel” while waving a Palestinian flag.

Sky News reported that two Jewish schools in north London are closing their doors “in the interest of the safety of our precious children.”

Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale both told parents on Thursday evening that they would not reopen until Monday.

Rabbi Feldman of Torah Vodaas said that while there was “no specific threat to our school,” it was “not a decision that was taken lightly.”

Ms Braverman said: “Hamas terrorists have carried out barbaric attacks on the people of Israel.” They massacred civilians, raped women and kidnapped the most vulnerable.

“This terrorism is an attack on all our values.” Whenever Israel is attacked, people use legitimate Israeli defense measures as an excuse to incite hatred against British Jews. The UK is clearly on Israel’s side.

“I have made it clear to police chiefs in England and Wales that there can be no tolerance for anti-Semitism and that they should take immediate action against any crime – both on our streets and online.”

“I am in close contact with the Community Security Trust, whose work helps improve the security of the British Jewish community.”

“To further support their work, we will provide them with £3 million in funding for additional security staff at Jewish schools, synagogues and Jewish communities.”

“This is in addition to the Government’s annual funding of £15 million.”

The Home Secretary used yesterday’s Downing Street meeting to urge police chiefs to use their powers where necessary to prevent gatherings blocking streets – including outside Jewish monuments and buildings such as the Israeli embassy.

Mark Gardner, chief executive of the CST, said: “We are grateful to the government for providing additional funding for security staff in Jewish community buildings following Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel.”

“The support we and the Jewish community are receiving from across government and the police is extremely reassuring and welcome at this difficult and worrying time.”

“We will work with the Home Office to ensure that these additional resources are used most effectively to improve existing security and provide the Jewish community with the protection it needs and deserves.”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer visited a synagogue in north London and met Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis

Sir Keir said it was “vital that we stand alongside our Jewish friends and neighbors at a time of great trauma”.

Sir Keir met with rabbis and senior members of the local Jewish community at South Hampstead Synagogue

The Labor leader was pictured saying farewell to Rabbi Eli Levin following his visit

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer visited a north London synagogue yesterday and met Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis.

He said: “In this time of great trauma for the community, it is important that we stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors.”

“That is why I visited a local synagogue this morning to pledge my support and the support of the entire Labor Party to the Jewish community in the UK and the people of Israel.”

“These despicable, sustained terrorist attacks by Hamas have undermined the prospect of peace in the region.” They can only lead to more violence and suffering that have cost the lives of so many Israelis and Palestinians. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.

“We stand with Israel and support its right to free hostages and defend itself within the framework of international law.”

“We also need to be honest about the impact this has had on our own country.” Since these attacks, we have seen a shocking rise in anti-Semitic incidents in London and across the UK. Any harassment or intimidation of Jewish communities in Britain is completely unacceptable.

“There must be zero tolerance for this.” I was touched to learn about the measures being taken to maintain and strengthen interreligious relationships: work that serves as a reminder that hate must never divide us.

“It is also important to say that Labor MPs stand ready to support all voters who are concerned about family members in Israel or Palestine or who are affected by travel restrictions.”

“I know that Jewish people and communities in Britain are feeling great fear, loss and excitement.”

“But I want to send them a simple message.” You are not alone. We share your pain. “We are with you in this dark hour.”