A non-jewish former special constable in Walsall, UK, was beaten up by a hooded gang after he grew a beard, dressed in black and wore a wide-brimmed hat.
Linden Barrington, 25, is a sales representative who lives in an area of Walsall, West Midlands, with a high Muslim population.
Six months ago he began wearing a kippah and has even been keeping Shabbat as part of his intention to convert to Judaism.
He says he has been abused repeatedly since he changed his appearance. Youths have gathered outside his home shouting: “Murdering Jewish b——”and “—— Zionist. You deserve to die.”
In the latest incident, seven Asian youths threw water at him and yelled abuse as he walked in a local park.
He responded by taking out a digital camera and filming them.
He said: “One came up behind me, got me in a headlock and punched me five times in the head.
“They pulled off my hat and my skullcap, while screaming abuse. I was terrified, I had a massive panic attack. A Muslim family who saw me on the street took me into their house and calmed me down while we waited for the police.”
I can only imagine what a hat with a narrow brim looks like!!!
The only time I have had any anti semitic problems in the last 10 years is whenever I visit my hometown, London!!!
Oy Vey
Maybe there is hope for the world…
I don’t get any of the comments. Or then again maybe it’s me. I took it as an experiment to see street reaction in his change of garb. If not, why does he need a doctor?
The point is looking like a Jew provoked attacks in England.
I’d like to hear the BBC report this.
completely agree with #3
Seikhs wear turbans, there is no trouble with seikhs. I think the person that left that comment needs to know a bit about the different sects. It is the muslems normally that can cause trouble, just like in the USA not only in England
Who’s “really not intelligent” here? You missed the main point ,which is that there are anti-semites out there who don’t need to check credentials to “hate the Jew.” Anyone they even perceive as Jewish deserves to be humiliated, hurt or even killed ch’v.The reason for their anti-semitism is pure visceral hate that has little to do with reason.Now,what does that have to do with this unfortunate victim’s intelligence,pray tell?
Today, everyone who dresses like a true holy Jewish prince or princess when outside, is on some level practising mesiras nefesh. When I see people from the CH community- men & women who have made the decision to dress and talk like the non jewish world, I understand what they are going through- a strong intimidation from the very unwelcome reception they would get from the so-called liberal people outside were they to dress more modestly. So I do not judge anyone. I still dress modestly B”H and hope to continue. Although I buy my clothes at the same places… Read more »
you are publicizing your ignorance. Geirim are meant to practice jewish lifestyle before converting. work on yourself to stop putting others down in order to sound smart- it backfires.
This wonderful ‘liberal’ society respects the rights of animals and loves all humans and defends their right to live in peace.. except if they see someone wear a skirt that is below the knee or someone who has a beard and white shirt, or someone who follows the laws of the Torah, or someone who will live honestly and never burgle other people’s homes and never attack their neighbors… or ..or in fact anyone who does not look as they do, talk as they do, or believe exactly what they have been trained to believe. That has become their definition… Read more »
If he gets a beating and still wants to put on his kipa, then by all means he has a Jewish soul, and truly wants to be a Jew!
this guy needs a doctor not a rabbi
I converted, and quite some time before I converted I began dressing tzniusly. Levushim are important too. It felt spiritually inconsistent and helped me in my journey. Please don’t say rude things like that.
Are you a Rav? Do you have any sensitivity to a possible Ger’s feelings? Many people considering Geirus try living a Jewish lifestyle to help them decide if they will actually have a geirus. We wish him much mazal in his geirus or keeping his Seven Mitzvos Bnei Noach! Moshiach Now!!!
This is terrible! This world needs Moshiach NOW!
before england gets taken over and everyone is forced to wear turbans
He is really not intelligent. He has the intention to convert BUT HE IS NOT YET JEWISH and he has not even bagan the process of conversion. So what was his point in wearing a Kippa or black clothes??? To be Jewish is not aboutn the clothes, guy. See a Rabbi, study with him, then begin wearing Jewish clothes and keeping Shabbes, and go to a Beis Din.
scary
just wow