A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rampaged through the heart of the heavily-Orthodox neighborhood of Golders Green on Wednesday evening, attacking businesses and assaulting a motorist.

Police say that a group of about fifteen men demonstrating in support of Palestinians in Gaza made their way along Golders Green Road with the intent of assaulting Jewish targets. They attempted to attack a number of Kosher restaurants and Jewish businesses, and assaulted a Jewish man as he got into his car.

At at one point the rioters entered “Solly’s”, a local Kosher  restaurant, but were thrown out by staff and diners.

Residents called the police, who arrived on the scene quickly. Despite the police’s quick response, the men escaped before they could be caught.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Tucker, acting borough commander of Barnet police, said: “We were aware that the activity in Gaza was going to have an impact on antisemitism because of our very large Jewish population in Barnet.” He added, “We will not tolerate any incidents of antisemitism and will investigate any allegations robustly. People have a legitimate right to demonstrate but that cannot be a front for antisemitism or any other type of crime.”

Sources say that talks are taking place with police to ensure a visible police presence around Shuls and other Jewish community sites.

Earlier this week, the slogans “Jihad for Israel” and “Jihad the only solution for Palestine” were daubed on buildings in Stamford Hill, Golders Green and Manchester.

(Source: Jewish Chronicle)