Thousands raised for bullied Syrian in UK

Footage of a Syrian refugee in the UK being bullied has prompted enormous public response, with online campaigners raising more than £40,000 (Dh187,936) to help his family.

The video shows Jamal, 15 – a pupil at Almondbury Community School in Huddersfield, northern England, – being held down and tortured by a bully.

The attacker threatens to drown Jamal before forcefully pouring water down his throat.

The video of the incident, which reportedly took place on October 25, was retweeted more than 65,000 times, and the bully was condemned by many public figures.

It attracted the attention of Mohammed Tahir, who set up a crowdfunding account on the website GoFundMe. As of yesterday morning, the account had raised more than £50,000 from more than 3,000 donors.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support that we’ve received and I can’t thank everyone enough for the generous donations they have made,” Mr Tahir said.

“I am working alongside GoFundMe so we can make sure every last penny gets to the family. I hope we can improve the quality of their life and put a smile on their faces.

“Bullying will not be tolerated and I firmly stand against it. It has no place in our society. Our love will always overcome hate. We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”

Jamal arrived in Britain from Syria about two years ago.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood called the incident an “absolute disgrace”.

“This bully, his parents, the school where this occurs and the onlookers who failed to step in all have big questions to answer,” Mr Ellwood said. “To the Syrian refugee I say sorry. It’s not the welcoming, friendly Britain we are supposed to be.”

MP Barry Sherman said the local council had told him that the school had taken strong action against the perpetrator.

“Video of the assault against one of my constituents absolutely shocking,” Mr Sherman said. “Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire police confirmed a 16-year-old youth had been interviewed and reported for summons for an offence of assault. He will appear at youth court in due course.

“The incident occurred on 25 October and has been subject to thorough investigation since it was reported to us the day after.”