By Ben Kerrigan-
Two prominent Jewish schools in North London have announced their temporary closure, citing concerns over the safety of their students amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale communicated this decision to parents on Thursday evening, informing them that the schools would remain closed until the upcoming Monday.
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Rabbi Feldman of Torah Vodaas, in a heartfelt letter to parents, explained that although there had been no specific threats made against the school, the decision to close was not taken lightly.
This precautionary measure comes on the heels of growing unease among the Jewish community in the region due to the fear of potential retaliatory attacks sparked by the ongoing war in Israel.
The conflict, ignited by a devastating Hamas assault on Israel over the weekend, has left thousands of Israelis and Palestinians dead. As the crisis deepens, reports of antisemitism have surged dramatically.
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According to the Community Security Trust (CST), there has been a staggering 324% increase in incidents over the last four days, which includes six assaults, 14 direct threats, three instances of vandalism, and 66 cases of abusive behavior.
In response to the escalating situation, the CST has received financial support to reinforce security measures in schools it supports. Additional security personnel will be deployed to schools during operating hours, and there will also be a heightened security presence at synagogues during Friday nights and Saturday mornings.
The fear and anxiety within the Jewish community are palpable, as some schools have advised students to disguise their uniforms to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
A mother, whose children attend one of these schools, shared her concerns, stating that police presence had increased outside the school to ensure safety.
Rabbi Chaim Pinter, the principal of Yesodey Hatorah, disclosed the implementation of certain protective measures, including increased patrols and the provision of therapists and counselors for students. “There is worry, people are concerned. People don’t want this to spill over,” he said.
Despite the majority of students residing locally, those from outside the area have opted for taxis instead of public transport due to safety concerns. Rabbi Pinter emphasized that their priority remains the children’s safety and well-being.
Security companies have also witnessed a surge in requests from Jewish sites. SQR, which provides security for various community sites, reported an increase in inquiries and noted that some security officers had been called back to Israel, leading to an urgent need for replacement personnel at these locations.
Rabbi David Meyer, the chief executive of the Partnership for Jewish Schools, acknowledged parents’ concerns and their validity, given past incidents where conflicts in the Middle East have had a ripple effect in the UK.
He highlighted the supportive stance of the UK government in bolstering security in schools to ensure the safety of the community’s children.
Amid these turbulent times, the welfare and mental health of the children are of paramount importance, as exposure to violent imagery on social media adds to their anxieties.
The Jewish community remains hopeful that the temporary closure of schools will alleviate concerns and pave the way for a safer learning environment when they eventually reopen.
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