Palestinian flags at schools create ‘state of fear’ for Jews

WALKING through the borough of Tower Hamlets in east London it is clear to see on which side most residents’ sympathies lie in the Israel conflict.

On high streets, in parks, outside shops, and at school gates, the red, green, black and white Palestinian flag is everywhere to be seen – flying high from lamp posts as a symbol of solidarity for those fighting and dying 2,200 miles away in Gaza.

The flags’ proximity to primary and secondary schools, in a borough where 40 per cent of the population is Muslim, according to the latest census, have provoked fear and worry among Jewish parents and campaigners who say these flags are a deliberate attempt to “indoctrinate” children and endanger pupils.

One Jewish family said they have been forced to send their children to be educated in another borough because they cannot “guarantee their safety” in Tower Hamlets.

Another family from Wapping said graffiti daubed outside their local primary school that read: “Israel = Scum” was not cleaned away for two weeks.

Tower Hamlets council is facing legal action over its refusal to take down the flags. Lawyers claim the decision is a “criminal offence” and breaches equality and education legislation.

The Telegraph observed 10 schools with Palestinian flags near or outside their entrances. A further eight had flags hanging high up from lamp posts within 65ft of their grounds, in clear view of classrooms and playgrounds.

One family in Wapping said: “We are living in a total state of fear in Tower Hamlets and we feel forgotten by the Jewish community.”

A spokesman for Tower Hamlets council said: “While we appreciate people want to express their support for Palestine, we have a routine responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure. The situation is under regular review.”