A Jewish man named Yochai was “verbally assaulted” twice in one hour in central London was threatened because of his appearance while on a bus into Oxford Street and then at an underground station. He was wearing a kippah - the skullcap worn by some Jewish men that day. A black man shouted, “free Palestine” at him as he got off the bus and was later subjected to a “torrent” of anti-Semitic abuse by a white man.
“His brother said Yochai was targeted because he looked "obviously Jewish" and that the offenders "were not concerned about the repercussions",” BBC reported.
He also said that the passenger leaned in close to his face and tried to punch him but Yochai stopped him. "He was shouting angrily: 'I'll give you an uppercut, I'll give you an uppercut', " Yochai’s brother told BBC.
President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews Marie van der Zyl condemned the antisemitic abuse and threats made against a Jewish passenger on public transport in London in two separate incidents at the weekend.
Marie said: "It is absolutely intolerable that a Jewish passenger travelling on public transport should be subjected to disgusting racist threats and abuse in the UK in 2021 not once but twice on the same day. Those responsible should be tracked down and prosecuted."
Jonathan Metliss, Chairman of Action Against Discrimination (AAD) and member of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said, “We condemn this abhorrent and unacceptable racist behaviour and trust that the police and all relevant authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Sadly, this is another example of continuing anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic attacks on our streets – for example, at the recent pro-Palestinian marches which have nothing to do with the Jewish community, and the online abuse directed at Jewish owners of football clubs following the announcement of the now ill-fated Super League.
“Although the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have vowed to eradicate this behaviour, sadly it continues unabated and will not disappear until and unless appropriate sanctions are applied to all offenders, whoever they are, online or otherwise.”
The Met Police and British Transport Police are investigating.
