Jewish community leaders meet with police to discuss their feelings

Chief Constable Andy Prophet and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Ash-Edwards met Jewish community leaders yesterday evening.

The community meeting was organised to give the Jewish community a chance to share how they are feeling.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “This was a really productive meeting and I hope that it reassures the Jewish community that we are listening to their concerns and acting on them. It was clear from discussions that many of our Jewish residents are feeling very frightened right now. We have taken away lots of useful feedback on how we can make them feel safer, particularly by reviewing our patrol plans. We’ve also committed to more regular meetings with the community.

“No one should feel unsafe because of their faith, and we want to be absolutely clear that antisemitism, in any form, has no place in Hertfordshire. If you have concerns, or see anything suspicious, please report it to us so that appropriate action can be taken.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “It was incredibly useful to hear directly from members of the Jewish community, and I understand just how deeply recent events are being felt by Jewish residents in Hertfordshire. Antisemitism and hatred are not inevitable and must not be tolerated. No one in Hertfordshire should feel they have to look over their shoulder because of their faith. I stand with the Jewish community and will do everything I can to advocate for the safety and security to which they are entitled. Hertfordshire Constabulary are taking the situation seriously and strengthening their patrols and presence, which I welcome.”