Scout To Say Sorry For 'Kill Jews' Threat
Veterans at the Remembrance Sunday parade in Romford
The Essex scout who reportedly shouted "Kill the Jews" during a Remembrance Sunday parade in Romford has been told to apologise by police.
The 17-year-old, who was with a group of around 20 fellow scouts, repeatedly shouted abuse at Jewish veterans, including members of a local Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women, during the march on 8 November.
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Dean Jefferys, scout county commissioner of Greater London North East, sent a letter of apology to the synagogue. He said he was "shocked and appalled" by the abuse and offered his "most sincere and profound apologies for any upset and distress caused".
He added: "I will also undertake to ensure that all members of the Explorer Scout Unit are aware of the seriousness of this incident and are aware that such behaviour has no place either in Scouting or in society at large."
The Metropolitan police said they arrested the teenager on 13 November in connection with "two allegations of racially aggravated harassment". The youth was released from custody with a "final warning" and the police said investigations are ongoing.
Reverend Sunderland expressed his fury at the incident but commended the police for acting quickly. "I'm angry considering that we were there to commend people who have died," he told the Jewish News. "A member of our congregation is on his first tour of Afghanistan."
Simon Carter, a Scout Association spokesperson, said: "As Scouts we promise to do our duty and to help other people. Clearly this young person has not lived up to this promise."
Carter added that the local leadership team would "provide a series of programme ideas in conjunction with a local rabbi and the Jewish community to educate the Explorers". He said the team would implement activities to "develop their understanding and appreciation of others faiths and beliefs".
Jewish veteran Paul Freedman MBE, who laid a wreath during the service, said that he went to speak to the scout group after the remarks were made. The 84-year-old told the Jewish News: "I explained that I was Jewish and had served for four-and- half-years in the RAF. I told them that Jewish servicemen and women served just as hard in the armed forces as people from other religions."
Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.
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