Belfast – Antisemitic graffiti that appeared in South Belfast has been condemned by a local MLA.
South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw spoke out against the “appalling” vandalism in the Northern Ireland Assembly this week, noting the impact that it can have against the Jewish community.
She said that she received numerous reports regarding the graffiti that was found on Newforge Lane at the end of last month.
It stated an antisemitic conspiracy theory regarding the 9/11 attacks in New York.
Ms Bradshaw said: “In late January, I was shocked and appalled to learn that an individual had spray-painted antisemitic graffiti at Newforge Lane in my constituency, an area where people frequently walk. Actions like that have a heavy impact on our Jewish community, and I was saddened that such issues remain today.
“Thankfully, it was not just members of the Jewish community who contacted me about it but other right-thinking members of the public. I duly reported it, and I am grateful to Belfast City Council for promptly removing it. It is our moral duty to defend and support those who are victims of such shocking ignorance and prejudice. I heavily condemn those acts, and I extend my thoughts to all those who were affected by it.”
The MLA said that between 2020 and 2021, there were 39 hate crime incidents reported against the Jewish community, with six of these taking place in South Belfast.
Ms Bradshaw continued: “Offering our thoughts will simply not cut it, however. Between 2020 and 2021, the PSNI investigated 39 hate crime incidents against the Jewish community. Six of those occurred in south Belfast. The issue is now far more prominent, and, unfortunately, it is still conspicuous in our communities.
“The consequence of such hatred is held closely to our hearts, particularly during Holocaust Memorial Day, the day on which the graffiti appeared. It should be a day when we remember the six million Jewish people who were subject to genocide in one of the most appalling atrocities in human history.
“It is more important than ever that we highlight the effects that such ignorance and hate have on our communities and realise that we have work to do to overcome them. Such acts only encourage conspiracy and hate.”
The South Belfast MLA encouraged members of the public to take part in the ongoing consultation regarding a new hate crime bill proposed by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
She said: “The Bill will pave the way for new, much-needed hate crime provisions that will protect victims to a much larger extent. Through the Bill’s specifically defining acts of hate crime and the role of the perpetrator, victims will see better support and are ultimately more likely to see justice.
