City leaders have rallied in support of an Oxford Jewish centre after it suffered a ‘blatant’ antisemitic attack.
Talcum powder was flung over the bins at the Chabad Student Centre in Cowley Road on Wednesday afternoon and offensive letters left at the building.
Police and firefighters raced to the scene after reports of a suspicious substance being thrown, and closed neighbouring Alma Place to investigate.
The centre’s Rabbi Eli Brackman said he believed the powder was thrown in an attempt to spread panic and fear, with people initially believing it might be a more dangerous substance.
He said the centre was concerned but pledged to not be deterred by ‘displays of hate’.
He added: “We have been touched by the reaction of the community and thankful for the response of the police and emergency services.
“We are also encouraged by the spirit of friendship and multiculturalism of the Cowley Road and Oxford more widely.”
MPs and councillors have condemned the attack, stressing intolerance has no place in the city.
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said: “I was very sorry to hear about this unpleasant and cowardly attack on the Chabad Student Centre.
“Everyone should feel safe in our city. It’s horrible that someone has behaved in this pathetic manner.”
Layla Moran called the attack ‘deeply distressing.’The Oxford West and Abingdon MP added: “I wholly condemn this attack – we cannot tolerate antisemitism of any kind in Oxford.”
