In a deeply disturbing incident, Rabbi Dovie Schochet and his community in Mill Hill East in London, England were confronted with an appalling display of antisemitism shortly after concluding their Yom Kippur services.
Hendon Golf club, which had generously hosted the High Holy Day services for the second year in a row, became the site of hate-filled anti semitism, including a swastika and offensive slurs etched into the sand on the property.
Rabbi Dovie, who had just led his congregation through a period of prayer and unity during the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, expressed his shock and sadness upon learning of the incident. “It shook me to my core,” he said. “I could not believe such hatred would rear its ugly head in our community, especially in an area with such a large Jewish population.”
Rabbi Dovie also highlighted the painful irony that this act of vandalism occurred at the very place where the Jewish community had gathered to pray for peace and spoke of Jewish pride and resilience. “To see such hatred, especially where we had just prayed, was deeply disturbing,” he continued.
Despite the initial shock, Rabbi Dovie emphasized a message of strength, resilience, and hope. He recalled the powerful words he had shared with his congregation throughout the holiday: *Am Yisroel Chai* – the Jewish people live on. “When evil rears its ugly head, we do not back down or shudder in fright. We stand tall, we sing, we dance, and we come back even stronger. A little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness,” he said.
Rabbi Dovie, along with his wife Jessica and their children, moved to Mill Hill East four years ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish Chabad Mill Hill East and bring Judaism to the local community. Since then, they have launched numerous programs catering to people of all backgrounds and affiliations. These include pastoral visits to the Jewish Blind & Disabled and Aarandale Manor Care Home, as well as initiatives like the Jewish Women’s Circle, the Mensch Club, and a growing attendance at the local cheder and weekly shiurim.
In response to the hateful act, Chabad Mill Hill East is determined to increase their efforts to spread light, unity, and positivity. “We will continue marching on,” Rabbi Dovie declared. “We will expand our activities, and we will continue to bring light to overcome the darkness.”
The incident has been reported to local authorities, and the Jewish community calls for increased vigilance and solidarity in the fight against antisemitism.
