Pro-Palestine group targets Jewish-owned business in London

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 1:23 pm

**Pro-Palestine Activists Target Jewish-Owned Business in London, Police Investigate as Racially Aggravated Crime**

A Jewish-owned business in Stamford Hill, London, was the target of a vandalism attack early Thursday morning, prompting a police investigation into what is being treated as a racially aggravated crime. The incident, captured on CCTV, involved three men who daubed the building with red paint and smashed the shop window. The perpetrators also spray-painted the words "Drop Elbit," a reference to Elbit Systems UK, an Israeli arms manufacturer.

Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian activist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group stated they were targeting the business because it is registered as the landlord of an Elbit weapons factory in Kent. However, the targeted company, which requested anonymity due to fear of further attacks, denies any connection to Elbit and stated the incident has terrified its employees.

The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at 7:23 am and are currently reviewing CCTV footage and taking statements from employees. The police have confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage. They have also acknowledged the concern this incident may cause within the Jewish community and have increased patrols in the local area, working with community leaders.

Palestine Action, in its statement, accused the targeted business of being the landlord of Elbit's Instro Precision weapons factory and stated the attack was to protest the company's involvement in arming Israel. The group claims Instro Precision received multiple weapons export licenses last year. They are demanding the landlord evict Instro Precision.

BNN's Perspective: This incident is deeply concerning. While the right to protest is fundamental, targeting a business based on its ownership and alleged connections to a larger political issue crosses a line. The use of vandalism and intimidation tactics is unacceptable and fuels fear within the Jewish community. It is crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and actions that incite hatred and potentially endanger individuals. The police investigation must be thorough, and those responsible should be held accountable.

Keywords:
London, Stamford Hill, Jewish-owned business, pro-Palestine, vandalism, racially aggravated, Elbit Systems, Palestine Action, Israel, arms manufacturer, police investigation, anti-Semitism, protest, Gaza, Instro Precision, weapons factory, Metropolitan Police, community, crime, attack

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