THE head of the Jewish community has said he has been touched and reassured by the support offered by Islanders, including the States police, in the wake of conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Stephen Regal, president of the Jersey Jewish Congregation, said he had been personally contacted by police chief Robin Smith with a pledge to provide extra security should this become necessary as the conflict develops.
Antisemitic sentiment had not yet been experienced to any significant degree thus far in Jersey, Mr Regal pointed out, but he was mindful that there was potential for this in the coming weeks.
He said: “There have been situations in the past where tensions have been high and there have been some people who act vociferously with actions or postings on social media that are at best offensive, and at worst threatening.
“There hasn’t been any sign of such actions in Jersey since 7 October, but I’m mindful that as the days go on, and Israel’s response to the attacks by Hamas moves from a defensive position to going into Gaza, that there may be quite a negative picture painted by some observers.
“It’s been reassuring that several figures from the police in Jersey, including the chief officer, have been in touch to say that they will be ready to respond if necessary – we realise they’ve got many important things to do, so to be told personally that they are looking out for us means a great deal.”
Many other Islanders had also been in touch, Mr Regal added.
“I’ve had all sorts of people contacting me, including several who I don’t know, offering their thoughts and support,” he said.
“I came home after a day-trip last Friday and someone had delivered a chocolate cake as a gesture so that we knew they were thinking of us, and that sort of thing is hugely appreciated.”
Estimating that there may be upwards of 150 Jewish families in Jersey, including 45 to 50 who are active members of his congregation, Mr Regal said there were many who were concerned about relatives in Israel.
Mr Regal and his wife Lynda visited Israel in August for a family wedding, the bride being his grand-niece, one of three siblings who had since been called up to serve with the Israeli Army.
“It is very stressful when you know that relatives are involved, without having much detail,” he said.
Two younger siblings are at home with their mother – Mr Regal’s niece – and her husband, and he said that the family had spent a large proportion of their time in the designated safe room at their home.
He said: “My niece lives in a relatively safe area, but people don’t realise that Israel isn’t a vast country – it’s smaller than Wales – and that, if the conflict escalates, and Hezbollah [the Lebanese Islamist political party and militant group] gets involved, nowhere would be immune.”
Having received several queries from Islanders about what practical help they could offer, Mr Regal suggested donations to Magen David Adom, which is akin to an Israeli version of the British Red Cross.
“MDA is affiliated to the International Red Cross, and independent of the Israeli government, and is playing a vital role in treating those who have been caught up in this,” he said.
