A rabbi is recovering after he was attacked outside a synagogue in a suspected racially aggravated assault yesterday lunch time.
Rafi Goodwin was in his car when two teenagers blocked his path and started shouting anti-Semitic abuse before attacking his car.
When he got out to challenge them in Chigwell, Essex, they then turned on him and attacked him so violently that he needed hospital treatment.
Two Asian teenagers, aged between 15 and 18, were seen running from the scene with Mr Goodwin’s mobile phone in Limes Avenue shortly before 1.15pm.
They were both wearing black jackets. One was around 5ft 9in and had an Afro while the other was approximately 5ft 7in and wore grey trousers.
Rabbi Herschel Gluck said: ‘Whenever a person is attacked like this, it touches me deeply.
‘The person themselves, their families, their congregation and their friends are all affected by this.
‘Even though it is an individual, it has much broader and wider ramifications.’
The Leader of Redbridge Council branded the attack ‘cowardly’ and unprovoked.
Jas Athwal said: ‘Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and if you have any information about this unprovoked and cowardly attack, please contact the police.
‘We are proud of our community and all parts of the community in Redbridge, we unequivocally condemn this attack and will continue to work together to support each other.’
Police have said they do not believe the robbery is linked to pro-Palestine protests over the weekend.
On Sunday afternoon, the occupants of a car driving through north London shouted antisemitic slurs through a megaphone, amid deadly fighting between Israel and Palestinians. Four men have since been arrested.
A police spokesperson said: ‘We know that this incident may be concerning for those in the local area, and we are working quickly to identify those responsible and to liaise with community leaders for any further support for those impacted.’
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