Man behind brutal attack on burial chief is spared jail
THE JEWISH community member who launched a brutal attack on the United Synagogue’s burial chief Melvyn Hartog last December has been handed a suspended sentence.
Simcha Hirsch struck Mr Hartog on the back of his head after the burial chief received a phone call asking him to collect a package from a location near his home in Chigwell, Essex.
After falling to the ground Mr Hartog, who has worked as the US burial chief for 18 years and previously served in the Royal Navy, grappled with the attacker, who lost his kippah and his spectacles in the attack.
Mr Hartog was taken to nearby Whipps Cross Hospital where he was kept overnight.
At the sentencing last Monday at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mr Hirsch, from Clapton, was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The sentence was suspended for 24 months but he was given a fiveyear restraining order banning him from contacting his victim. In addition Mr Hirsch was ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Hartog, £500 of prosecution costs, undertake 140 hours of unpaid community work and carry out 30 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.
Mr Hartog, who is in his 70s, said: “This episode has been extremely distressing for me, my wife and family. As I said in court, it was made even worse by the fact my attacker was Jewish and brings shame on our community. “Thankfully this ordeal has now come to an end and we must all look forward to much nicer things.” Steven Wilson, Chief Executive of the United Synagogue, said: “All United Synagogue employees have the right to do their job free from harm. We are relieved, thank God, that Melvyn’s injuries were not even more severe and we are pleased this sorry saga has been concluded. We wish Melvyn, Marilyn and their family much strength.” Shortly after the attack the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis sent a message of support and comfort to the popular grandfather.
In his role at the US, Mr Hartog has often had to take difficult decisions involving Jewish burials.