Barry Rawlings and Dan Thomas say they are working with community partners and the police to ensure residents feel safe and protected reports David Floyd

Political leaders in Barnet have come together to make a joint statement in response to the current escalation of violence in the Middle East.
Council and Labour leader Cllr Barry Rawlings and opposition and Conservative leader Cllr Dan Thomas issued a joint statement saying: “Our thoughts are with everyone caught up in the conflict in the Middle East and, in particular, those who are awaiting information on the safety of loved ones and those in our twin town of Ramat Gan.
“It’s been shocking to see the sheer numbers of innocent people who have been killed and injured over the last few days.
“Barnet’s strength has always been in its diversity and many of our residents will be affected by the violence in some way. But we must not let the hate spill over into our borough.
“We are working with our partners and our faith leaders to look at what we can do to support our communities locally and with the police to ensure our residents feel safe and protected.
Concerns about local reactions to the conflict have increased following reports of pro-Palestine graffiti in Golders Green.
The leaders’ statement added: “Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime should report it to the Police or to one of the 11 independent hate crime reporting centres in our borough.”
In a statement yesterday, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Mike Freer said: “Overnight there have been incidents of abusive behaviour, vandalism and graffiti in Golders Green clearly linked to events in Israel.
“Many constituents have sent me messages about the damage to Jewish shops in Golders Green and the graffiti that has appeared on the bridges. I am working with all relevant authorities to ensure this is dealt with as soon as possible, ideally today.”
Local community and voluntary organisations have also reacted to the events. Esmond Rosen, President of Barnet Multi Faith Forum, said: “BMFF joins in condemning in the strongest terms the outrages perpetrated against innocent women, children and men in the State of Israel.
“The loss of life and hostage taking is devastating, and it is impossible to comprehend the pain of grieving families.
“We pray for compassion. We must stand together to call for all hostilities to stop, and support a dialogue for peace and a just solution to deep rooted issues.
“We must be vigilant. This outrage and terrorist actions must not spread division across our borough.
“Through BMFF and our partners we will continue to explore and acknowledge our differences, working towards community harmony with respect and dignity.”
Caroline Collier, a strategic lead within the Barnet Together Alliance, said: “We are deeply saddened by the events in Israel and Palestine, and hope that a way will be found soon to de-escalate this situation.
“Our thoughts are with the people affected, and the Barnet residents who will be concerned for loved ones in the area.”
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