The police say that, in future, those using the phrase “globalise the intifada” should expect officers “to take action”

A lamp with 'Metropolitan Police' in white on blue glass outside a police station — (Credit – Met Police)

The head of the Metropolitan Police says that the force will change its approach to protest chants following the Bondi Beach shooting on Sunday.

15 people were killed in the shooting at the beach in Sydney, Australia, as two gunmen targeted Jews taking part in a Chanukah celebration.

The victims included Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was originally from Barnet. Following the shootings on Sunday, Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings said: “Our thoughts are with all the victims of the horrific terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community in Bondi Beach, Australia.

“Sadly, world events continue to impact us here in Barnet. One of those who tragically lost their lives was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was originally from Temple Fortune in the borough. We take comfort in his cousin’s words who described him as a man ‘who spread happiness and light’ and said they will respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to – doing ‘more mitzvot’ and ‘spreading positive energy’.

“We stand alongside our Jewish communities here and across the world and pray for peace and unity, remembering the Chanukah message that even in dark times, we should hope for light.”

This antisemitic attack follows the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester in October, when a terrorist stabbed worshippers who had gathered to mark Yom Kippur.

Now the Met Police Commissioner, Mark Rowley, has issued a joint statement this morning with his counterpart in Manchester outlining the new approach.

They say: “The two recent terror attacks targeting Jews, the increased fear in Jewish communities, and high number of terrorist attacks disrupted in recent years requires an enhanced response.”

They add: “The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences. We have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities don’t meet prosecution thresholds. Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive.”

“We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada’ and those using it at future protest or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action. Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.”

Following the Manchester attack in October, the Jewish Conservative Alliance, chaired by Golders Green councillor, Dean Cohen, called on political leaders to do more to protect the Jewish community saying: “The Jewish community deserves more than words – we demand action, security, and leadership.”

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