A POLISH Jew who lives in Redditch and has launched a campaign to unite people of all different races and backgrounds has, himself, suffered a racially aggravated attack on his family’s home.
Miroslaw Gasowski, his wife Agnieszka and their son Jonathon, live in the town and were shocked by the latest attack on their family home.
Last Friday, using black electrical tape, their attackers stuck a Star of David on their front door, along with the word ‘Jew’ and another accusative and abusive expletive-laden slogan.
He said, the next day, their son was chased through Arrow Valley Park in another suspected racially motivated attack.
Mr Gasowski said this was the latest in a number of similar actions spanning several years but, he added, with the conflicts currently taking place in the world, it was getting worse.
“This is not just us – we were told by police that Muslims living in the town had also been targeted.
“National and international events are impacting our lives and the lives of others on a daily basis.
“It seemed to get worse after Brexit and has spiraled even further since then.
“The attacks on Gaza have also led to an increase in the number of incidents.
“And, whilst the attack on the Mosque in Manchester at the weekend has brought the issue to the forefront and got people talking about it, it has also already sparked more attacks.
“The constant dueling between the country’s two current most popular parties and leaders – Nigel Farage of Reform and Labour’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – is also not helping.
“There is a fascist minority that is shouting the loudest at the moment and stirring up racial tension – it is echoing what was going on in Germany in 1939.”
Calling for help and unity
Mr Gasowski has written to Mr Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the 11th Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, to express his concerns.
And it comes as Mr Gasowski was organising an ‘I Bring In’ movement to promote inclusivity – first in Redditch and then spreading to London and the rest of the UK and onto mainland Europe.
He said: “We need unification, not division at this time.
“We need to stand together and bring people together.
“We want to start something positive that grows.”
Mr Gasowski says he has already met prominent people in London to discuss his plans.
He added his son was an army cadet and he was also speaking to the MoD about his project.
Longer-term he would like to see exchange programmes where Russian and Ukrainian children mix together and, likewise, Gazan children and Israeli youngsters to show that ‘there is more that unites us than divides us’.
West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently investigating a racially / religiously aggravated harassment incident in Redditch after it was reported that a sign displaying offensive words were left outside a property in the Church Hill area.
“It is thought the signs were left there some time last Friday evening.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
