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MPA Race Hate Crime Forum condemns desecration of East London Jewish cemetery

17/08
3 April 2008

The Race Hate Crime Forum has expressed its abhorrence following the desecration of between thirty and forty tombstones in a Jewish Cemetery in east London on Saturday 29 March 2008.

Peter Herbert, Chair of the Race Hate Crime Forum said,

“This is not the first time that this cemetery has been subject to such vile attacks. This deliberate act of vandalism affects not just the families of those whose gravestones and tombs have been desecrated but also impacts on the entire Jewish community.

“This is precisely why we must ensure that race, faith and other hate crimes stay firmly on the agenda of all statutory agencies to send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated in our communities. The Race Hate Crime Forum is assured that the police are treating this as a religiously motivated crime and will seek to ensure all possible steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We know that those who behave in this way must be tackled as quickly as possible to demonstrate our commitment to erasing such acts from multi-cultural London.

“We send our condolences to the families, friends and the wider Jewish community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newham community support unit on 020 7275 5736 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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