Britain - Police launch investigation into antisemitic Facebook group
Police have launched an urgent investigation into a horrific Facebook group that gave graphic details of antisemitic incidents perpetrated by its members against Ilford's Jewish community.
The group, created by a student at Loxford School of Science and Technology, attracted more than 500 members in two weeks following its launch last month and featured teenagers boasting about engaging in antisemitic behaviour.
It featured messages from youths using language rife with spelling errors, profanities and teenage colloquialisms.
One girl wrote: "Jews are the ones that killed prophets in the past. Dirty filthy scum-bags. No wonder they have the curse of Allah upon them. Burn Jew burn."
Another stated: "OMG! ii Saw a Jew Todaii ii Swearr downn Weariingg Dahh Hatt He Lookedd At Me Liike Man Knowsz Me [sic]."
She went on to describe screaming obscenities at the man and rudely telling him to go away.
In a further disturbing post, a girl bragged about aggressively confronting a Jewish woman in Argos after she was "looking at me". She wrote: "Looool i Had a Fight Wif 1 Urgh in Argos [sic]."
The Jewish News was informed about the group, created by a student at Loxford School, by a private investigator in Australia. It has since been removed from the popular social networking site.
The group was described by a Community Security Trust (CST) official as "one of the most shocking things I have ever seen".
A spokeswoman from Redbridge Council, speaking on behalf of Loxford School, said the school was contacted about the group and then immediately reported it to Facebook and the police.
The spokeswoman said: "The student concerned has been dealt with and the school has taken disciplinary action. There is an ongoing police investigation so we are unable to comment further."
Ilford police confirmed it had "received an allegation regarding antisemitic material being published on a social networking website".
A spokeswoman told the Jewish News that the police are investigating and inquiries continue.
Mike Gardner, director of communications at the CST, said he was left "utterly chilled" by the casual way that the youths displayed their antisemitism.
He said: "It shows how new media is now facilitating the most shocking
antisemitism among groups of youngsters, as if hatred and violence and gross ignorance were all just a part of their normal lives.
"Anybody who wants to understand how antisemitism can be transmitted today should study this online group closely, but they will need a strong stomach to do so."
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