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Pushchair set alight in Golders Green flats.

(35 Posts)
Betony Wed 03-Jun-26 18:07:17

What have things come to? The London Evening Standard has reported this afternoon what appears to be another arson attack in Golders Green. This time setting light to a pushchair parked in a block of flats where many young Jewish families live. Here's the cut and paste from the article which left me speechless: 'The Met Police said officers were keeping an open mind as to the man's motive'. I'm putting this on Chat because I'm so shocked, I don't really know where to post this.

Chocolatelovinggran Fri 12-Jun-26 15:22:53

Do we know who did this terrible act, and why?
Could you suggest what governments might do to tackle anti semitism, ronib?
Sadly, I feel that this is a mindset, which is difficult to change at a political level, it must come from the home .

ronib Fri 12-Jun-26 15:34:19

Chocolatelovingran. I have inadvertently noticed that even on GNet, there is a reluctance to embrace a rules based order. If the older population is less inclined to follow fairly simple courtesies, I have to ask why the younger generations would.
When I was growing up in a mixed faith neighbourhood, I can remember Christian theology going very full on about the role of the Jews in the crucifixion. This did not mean that I ever attempted to set fire to a buggy in a Jewish community. I think schools could play a strong role in bringing about mixed faith activities if possible.
I think it would be an improvement if any government would recognise that there is a fundamental problem in attitudes to Jews living in the UK. £25 million won’t make the problem disappear.

Maremia Fri 12-Jun-26 15:46:27

Yes, mixed faith activities are to be commended.
Sharing of festivals.

Chocolatelovinggran Fri 12-Jun-26 16:08:27

I understand your post ronib, and am horrified to hear that you received such a negative message about Jews in relation to the crucifixion.
I agree absolutely about the importance of mixed faith activities, but, of course, many people have no faith, so would not participate in these.
Do you have any thoughts, ronib, as to where we could spend money to achieve a desired outcome?
Please accept that this is not meant in any way disrespectful, but I fear that any negative attitudes towards Jews/ women/ migrants/ travellers are perpetuated in the home, and I cannot think of any way to counteract this.
I am a retired teacher, and have challenged small children repeating the language of hate towards others, but doubt my impact on their parent's mindset.

ronib Fri 12-Jun-26 16:28:27

Chocolatelovinggran Forgot to say that I was educated at an all girls convent school. Yes looking back to my own family, my father who was a very uneducated man, absolutely forbade any kind of discrimination or unkindness towards minority groups. I think as an immigrant himself, he had experienced discrimination especially during the war.

Yes you are right- the home has a huge influence on children’s attitudes- but there must be ways to counteract that influence. To some extent, my local neighbourhood certainly influenced an emphasis on educational achievement which was missing in the home. Three children with degrees was quite good for those days. Arguably neighbourhood can influence attitudes?

Iam64 Fri 12-Jun-26 16:49:51

The Prevent programme alongside criminalising hate speech etc are some ways governments try to address racism in action
Look at the criticism of our police for its attempts to train officers in equality diversity inclusion
I’ve been involved in such training ~ toughest sessions we did
Yes home is where real influence happens and school, workplaces friendship groups

Chocolatelovinggran Sat 13-Jun-26 08:14:11

Thank you for responding ronib. Hopefully, your thoughts on neighborhood initiatives might beat fruit.
We have much in common, as my father, the son of an immigrant, was also very poorly educated ( TBF there was a war on !) set great store by education and was very excited by my degree. He was a kind and thoughtful man, who challenged prejudice. I will think of him very fondly later this year when my daughter collects her PhD.

ronib Sat 13-Jun-26 08:34:42

Looking at two of my grandchildren’s school week, I was excited to see a trip by coach to the local theatre. I also noticed the very strong emphasis on kindness and respect for others in the school curriculum. This school has very strong neighbourhood support and offers a great start to every child.

Maremia Sat 13-Jun-26 08:45:48

That's good to hear ronib.
The thing is too, you don't have to be a 'believer" to enjoy festivals from other faiths and cultures.
Look at how may enjoy the fun and fuss around Christmas, who are not Christian.
Celebrate the joy, work through the difference.