Police investigating after vandals destroy Israel stall on campus
POLICE ARE investigating after vandals attacked a stall where Jewish students were giving out information about antisemitism and Israel.
The students had set up a table on Leeds University campus last week where they had placed an Israeli flag, photos of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, information leaflets and badges that said “Leeds leads against antisemitism”.
They had also placed a prominent sign on the table with the words: “Come talk to us about Jewish identity.”
An anti-Israel crowd – some of whom had been in a nearby building recently “occupied” by pro-Palestinian protesters – gathered close to the stall.
Two women then approached the table and ripped the Israeli flag off the table, scattering the display all over the pavement, before running away.
The Jewish students approached a police community support officer (PCSO) who spoke to the vandals, who reportedly laughed in his face.
The officer reportedly did not take down the attackers’ details.
Anti-racism group the Campaign Against Antisemitism lodged a complaint about the officer involved, who has since been spoken to about his handling of the incident on 12 March.
Inspector Richard Armstead, who leads the Leeds North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Police are making further enquiries into this incident and have recorded a crime of criminal damage for further investigation.
“The police community support officer has been spoken to about his handling of the matter after concerns were raised and enquiries are ongoing with partners to obtain more information about what happened.”
StandWithUs UK, which helped provide information for the stall, is an educational charity that challenges misinformation and fights antisemitism.
The charity’s director of campus affairs, Daniel Marcus, said: “Campus environments must be protected places for free expression of speech where Jewish students should feel safe to express their identity and not intimidated by violent actors.”
StandWithUs told the JC that Jewish students have started to wear bodycams in the face of mounting antisemitism.
StandWithUs fellow and Manchester student Hadassa Schwinger recently set up a similar stall. She said: “The bodycams quite literally saved the day. I felt safe and secure enough to host the stand without fearing for my physical wellbeing.”
A University of Leeds spokesperson said: “There is no evidence that any of our students were involved but we are investigating.
“We’re sorry to see this happen and are supporting those concerned. The issue has been raised with the university’s police liaison officer, noting that a PSCO witnessed the incident and spoke to the alleged perpetrators.”