Community response to current events in Israel and Gaza – 9/11/23
Please see below this week’s shared information briefing. Each organisation’s social media channels are linked below. Please follow these as trusted sources of information.
Hertfordshire Constabulary
We continue to receive a handful of calls around incidents linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Over the past seven days in Hertsmere, five antisemitic crimes have been recorded – including one criminal damage, two public order offences, one malicious communications offence and a common assault without injury. One hate incident has also been reported.
We are investigating these offences expeditiously and support has been provided to victims.
We have received no reports around Islamophobia in the past seven days.
Our proactive patrols and community engagement continues, and we remain on hand to respond to any issues or concerns as needed. If you are worried about anything or witness activity which you believe to be suspicious, please get in touch.
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Community Security Trust
For the period 7 October to 7 November, there have been 1,124 antisemitic incidents in the UK. Out of this, 33 have been in Hertfordshire. In the same period in 2022, there were 183 antisemitic incidents in the UK, of which 7 were in Hertfordshire. This represents an increase of 26 antisemitic incidents in Hertfordshire year on year.
This is still making the community feel vulnerable. We are grateful for the partnership we have with the Police and I know the community appreciate their hard work.
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Hertsmere Borough Council
Interfaith Week
As part of a wider set of events for Interfaith Week, the Hertfordshire Interfaith Forum are running an online ‘Peace through Understanding’ event on 15 November between 6.30pm and 8pm. The event will provide an opportunity to hear about the work done by Inter Faith Groups in Hertfordshire and how through understanding each other, we create the conditions for peace. This is an online event held via Teams – please use this link to join.
Older Person’s Advice, Learning and Safety Event
Hertsmere Borough Council, in partnership with Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue were pleased to host an Older People’s Advice, Learning and Safety Event on 2 November at the Synagogue. The event was aimed at those over 60, to promote safety amongst older people in Borehamwood.
Representatives from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, Hertfordshire Police, Trading Standards, Communities 1st and many more joined Hertsmere Borough Council to speak at the event about the services and support available to older people. More than 45 people attended the event.
Mental Health Services
The following services are available to residents of Hertsmere to support their mental health.
- The TogetherAll, an online anonymous mental health community monitored by professionals, offers a range of support, courses and advice. Hertfordshire residents over 16 can register for free – just select ‘my area is registered’ and enter your postcode.
- NHS Every Mind Matters – Get expert advice and practical tips, try the ‘How are you?; quiz or create a tailored self-care plan to support your mental health and wellbeing
- The Five Ways to Wellbeing – feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life
- Jami – provides mental health support to the Jewish Community
- Herts Mind Network – provide services including peer support, group activities, counselling and a crisis helpline. Provided online, over the phone or from Number 10 on Leeming Road, Borehamwood.
- Hertfordshire County Council have produced a mental health resource booklet providing information about services available in the community. Should anyone wish to order physical copies of this, please contact services@hertsmere.gov.uk.
- The Church of England have pulled together a set of 13 reflections to support good mental health.
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