A Jewish mum is scared for her children to walk through Reading town centre due to a climate of fear and rising antisemitism.
The Israel–Palestine conflict entered a new phase of open warfare after the October 7, 2023, attack, when the militant group Hamas and its allies raided southern Israel, killing 1,195 people.
It comes amid rising concerns about anti-semitism, after four ambulances from the Jewish Hatzola volunteer emergency service were destroyed in an alleged arson attack in London on Monday, March 23.
Antisemitism was brought up at a full meeting of Reading Borough Council during discussion of an anti-racism statement.
Councillor Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) said: “As has been acknowledged, the uncomfortable reality is that there is racism in Reading.
“We as Conservatives are against racism in any shape or form.
“I hope this statement does make a difference, but I wonder whether it will.
“A couple of Saturdays ago, it broke my heart when a mother said to me she was scared for her children’s safety when they come into the centre of Reading. You might ask why? Because she and her family are White. They are Jewish.
“And antisemitism is rearing its ugly head here and elsewhere in this country.
“She gets her children to hide their Jewish cultural background to try and prevent them from being attacked because of their Jewishness.”
Zvi Solomons, Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Berkshire, was asked whether the anecdote cllr Ballsdon gave was something members of his community related to.
He said: “I know Jews in Reading who will not show their identity, or who will not mention their religion.
“I have not as yet experienced racism recently for wearing my kippa, but historically, this happens at times of Middle Eastern tension.
“One of my older congregates has removed her mezuzah from her door, as she is scared of neighbours attacking her for being Jewish.”
A mezuzah is a parchment bearing Torah verses which are placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes in fulfilment of a biblical commandment.
The anti-racism statement did not mention any religious group. It was approved unanimously at the full council meeting on Tuesday, March 24.
Cllr Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley) criticised cllr Clarence Mitchell (Reform UK, Emmer Green) for not speaking during the debate.
She said: “As an ally, I don’t understand how anyone could not speak up against racism.
“We all have a duty to stand with victims of racism and build understanding and unity, and I agree with cllr Ballsdon, actually, that does include antisemitism.”
Replying, cllr Mitchell said: “The reason I hadn’t said anything is that I am in utter agreement with the motion put forward.
“I’m not a racist, the party I represent isn’t racist, despite what some elements of the media may try to tell you.
“I was born and bred in Edgware, and I grew up in Golders Green. I know exactly how the Jewish community is feeling at the moment, and I completely agree with what cllr Ballsdon has said.”
Cllrs Mitchell, Ballsdon and Eden are seeking to retain their seats during the council elections on Thursday, May 7.
