Statement from Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council on the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza
Published: Wednesday, 18th October 2023
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council said:
“I know that everyone in the borough of Hounslow will share our shock and sadness at recent events in Israel and Gaza. Many of our residents will have been personally affected with friends or family members being caught up in the conflict.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured, held captive or who have lost loved ones. We also recognise the wider impact these events have had due to the appalling scenes that have played out across TV screens here at home. We know many residents will be feeling concerned about the future in the Middle East and how that impacts communities here.
“Hounslow is a strong and united borough with communities of all backgrounds and faiths. During such difficult times it is important for us to come together, to recognise people’s concerns, listen to each other and treat each other with respect and compassion. We support the Metropolitan Police Service who are appealing for calm, for vigilance and for people to come forward and report any hate crime across London.
“We back Friends of Faith – an interfaith charity in Hounslow – in their call for peace, dialogue and reconciliation. This, ultimately, must be the only way forward.”
Information on how to report a hate crime
If you have been the subject of a hate crime, here is information from the police about what to do:
If someone is in immediate danger or needs support right away then dial 999.
Hate crime can be reported online, by 101 phone or at a police station.
If you've seen something on a website or social media that promotes hatred or violence against a particular group, use the police’s online form to report it.
