30 Dec 2024
The Bricket Wood community has been left shocked after the village’s Menorah was vandalised ahead of its grand lighting for Chanukah.
Rabbi Eliezer Tunk, director of Chabad Lubavitch Bricket Wood & Districts, was woken with the news yesterday morning, and immediately rushed to inspect the damage, which included blue paint being tipped over the candelabra display.
He said: “This premeditated crime has shaken not just the Jewish community – which in Bricket Wood is 30% Jewish – but also the whole wider community. We have been extremely touched and honoured by the whole village’s show of support and outrage at this crime of hate.”
The ceremony, at the corner of Oakwood Road and West Riding, went ahead as planned yesterday afternoon – with a replacement Menorah used – and more than 200 people came along to show their support.
A post on Chabad Lubavitch Bricket Wood’s Facebook page said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible turnout of over 200 people… Your warmth and solidarity reminded us that no act of hate can dim the light of our community.
“This year has shown us the power of resilience and unity, and we are already looking forward to next year. We’ll be back stronger and better, with an even brighter light!
“Thank you for standing with us and for making this a truly unforgettable Chanukah. Together, we continue to bring light into the world.”
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper responded to the vandalism: “I’m appalled that this has happened in St Albans. The story of Chanukah is one of light and hope, and Jews should be free to celebrate their faith, free of fear and hate.”
St Stephen district councillor Steve Cavinder said: “I was sickened to see that the Menorah had been vandalised but equally heartened to see the community from all faiths (and perhaps none), come together in defiance of the vandalism for the lighting ceremony.”
Residents have also been commenting on the attack.
Sue Lopes-Dias said: ” Light triumphs over darkness. We won’t let the vandals and terrorist lovers win. Well done to the Rabbi and his team for arranging this event and for replacing the menorah at such short notice.”
Rabbi Tunk added: “This will not deter us. We will stand together, stronger and more united than ever! As always, light and positivity will prevail!”
A statement from Herts police said they were investigating following reports of criminal damage in Bricket Wood.
“Between 6pm on 28 December and 8.30am on 29 December, it was reported that a Menorah – which is a Jewish multibranched candelabra – was damaged on West Riding, with blue paint also being thrown or poured on to the display.
“Since the incident, officers have been working to try and obtain and view CCTV footage from the nearby shops. Extra patrols have also been conducted in the area, and residents are encouraged to speak to our officers if they have any concerns.
“This is being treated as a hate crime incident, and anyone with information is asked to please contact police online or via 101, quoting crime reference number 41/110766/24.”
