Camden’s response to ongoing events in the Middle East

Camden Council is deeply concerned about the escalating events in the Middle East and our hearts go out to the Israelis and Palestinians who are impacted by this terrible situation.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with all our Camden residents who are concerned about the safety and security of relatives and loved ones. We appreciate this is a frightening, unsettling time. We want residents to know that we are here for them and that help and support is available locally if they need it.

Camden’s focus and response to these events must be a practical and local one, rooted in the responsibilities we have as local leaders to keep our communities safe and to promote community cohesion. We are deeply concerned about the rise in reported hate crime towards Jewish and Muslim residents and we are determined to work together to keep our whole community safe. It is vitally important that everyone feels informed, reassured and safe and crucially, knows how to ask for help if they need it.

Camden is made up of many communities and this diversity is one of our key strengths. Over the years we have lived, worked, and learned together, bringing up our families to respect each other and live side-by-side. We are proud to be a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together. Our focus is to ensure our communities remain united in these difficult times. We are at our strongest when we stand together united against hate.

Practical, local action

Camden Council’s Community Safety team is working closely with the Police to provide a visible presence in the borough and to support our faith communities. We are continuing to work closely with the Police and community partners, including our Faith Forum and religious leaders, to provide community reassurance and information, especially during heightened points of tension.

Community resources and humanitarian effort

The British Red Cross has launched an appeal. Camden residents can donate today to help provide vital aid.

The Disasters Emergency Committee are monitoring the situation and assessing it against their criteria for launching an appeal. Their website lists several charities who are providing aid in the region, who are accepting donations.

Finally, if any resident needs support, Camden Council is here to help. Residents may contact us with concerns on 020 7974 4444 if they require support.

Keeping our communities safe

Camden is no place for hate. We have a shared responsibility to report hate we witness which could harm individuals and be divisive within our communities.

A Criminal offence is one perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone.

Crimes can take many forms including physical assault, verbal abuse, harassment and damage to property.

To report a crime you should:

• Call the Police on 101 or contact your local neighbourhood police, for example by visiting your local station, or;
• Online via report-it.org.uk, or;
• To one of Camden’s partners:

Read the full list of partners on our website.

• In an emergency, always call 999 and follow the ‘run, hide, tell’ advice.