JFS student physically attacked outside school premises
Met Police confirm they are investigating a report that a 17-year-old boy was 'assaulted by a group of boys who referenced Palestine' outside the school on Thursday shortly after 3.30pm
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A 17-year-old JFS student has been subjected to an unprovoked physical attack by a group of individuals outside the school premises.
The assailants physically assaulted the boy and forcibly tried to coerce him into saying ‘free Palestine’ at around 3.30pm on Thursday.
Despite the presence of the headteacher and a security guard in the vicinity, the attackers managed to carry out this assault.
A Community Security Trust spokesperson confirmed: “This was a distressing assault in which a Jewish student was singled out and attacked, and the link between extreme anti-Israel hatred and anti-Jewish violence was made clear by his attackers.
“We are working with the police and JFS security to provide increased protection for JFS students when they leave school each day.”
Since the Hamas terror attack in southern Israel on 7 October, JFS has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
Extra security measures have included the presence of teachers and the head in various areas surrounding the school and next to Kingsbury station.
But there have been concerns on some days about a lack of visible police presence in the area.
One parent, who asked not to be named, told Jewish News:”I never know what will happen next. I fear for my children’s wellbeing. The school is going above and beyond in this respect, but I worry about the approach of the police and the government.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed on Friday:”We are investigating a report that a 17-year-old boy was assaulted outside the JFS School in Brent.
“We were contacted shortly after 16:00hrs on Thursday, 4 January by the boy’s father who reported that he had been assaulted by a group of boys who referenced Palestine.
“The victim was injured, however he did not require hospital treatment.
“An investigation is under way and enquiries are ongoing. Any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4416/04Jan. ”
Chief Inspector Pali Grewal, from the local policing team in north-west London, said: “We have been clear that there is no place in London for hate. This is a concerning incident and we are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible.
“Officers continue to carry out patrols in the area around the school to provide reassurance and respond to any concerns.”
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