A rabbi was attacked outside a Kent synagogue in a suspected racially aggravated assault on Sunday.
Rafi Goodwin was hospitalised following the incident, when two teenagers reportedly stepped in front of his car before verbally and physically attacking him.
The pair are said to have spoken in a derogatory way about the Jewish faith before damaging his car shortly before 1.15pm.
When the rabbi got out of the vehicle near his in Limes Avenue to challenge them, he was attacked with an unknown object, meaning he needed hospital treatment, and had his phone stolen.
Members of the Jewish community and local authorities have rallied round to offer their support to Mr Goodwin, who is in his 30s and part of the Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue.
It comes as the occupants of a car driving through north London shouted antisemitic slurs through a megaphone on Sunday afternoon, amid deadly fighting between Israel and Palestinians. Four men have since been arrested.
No arrests had been made in Chigwell earlier on Monday morning, with Essex Police believing the two boys involved are aged between 15 and 18 and left the scene on foot.
Both have been described as being of Asian ethnicity.
One was approximately 5ft 9in, wore his hair in an Afro-style and was wearing a black jacket.
The other was described as being 5ft 7in and wearing a black jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms.
Essex Police believe the incident was not linked to wider pro-Palestine protests over the weekend.
A force spokesperson said: ‘We know that this incident may be concerning for those in the local area, and we are working quickly to identify those responsible and to liaise with community leaders for any further support for those impacted.’
The Leader of Redbridge Council branded the attack ‘cowardly’ and unprovoked.
Jas Athwal said: ‘Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and if you have any information about this unprovoked and cowardly attack, please contact the police.
‘We are proud of our community and all parts of the community in Redbridge, we unequivocally condemn this attack and will continue to work together to support each other.’
Rabbi Herschel Gluck added: ‘Whenever a person is attacked like this, it touches me deeply.
‘The person themselves, their families, their congregation and their friends are all affected by this.
‘Even though it is an individual, it has much broader and wider ramifications.’
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Loughton CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/92174/21.
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