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Leeds synagogue bacon shock
SENIOR members of the Jewish community have spoken of their horror after bacon rashers were draped over the door handles of a Leeds synagogue.
Police also found bacon stuffed through the keyhole of the Sinai Synagogue on Roman Avenue, Roundhay, when they were called to the incident.
Dan Cohen, chairman of the Leeds Jewish Orthodox Community Group, told the YEP that the discovery of the bacon – a meat banned to Jews – was "shocking".
He said: "It is outrageous that in modern, multi-cultural Britain we are still seeing these types of anti-semitic activities.
"This is massively offensive. This is no different to daubing a swastika on the door. This is of that magnitude and it's very worrying.
"We can only hope that this is not symptomatic of growing racism in the UK having just seen Andrew Brons elected as a BNP MEP.
"I sincerely hope there is no link between the rising success of the BNP and what seems to be a rise in anti-semitic incidents."
The bacon was found at 9am on Saturday morning, 90 minutes before the synagogue's weekly service.
Bacon and all types of pork are prohibited in the Jewish faith.
Trude Silman, chairman of the Leeds-based Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association (HSFA), said: "Obviously it's purile, it's stupid and it's a hate crime.
"It comes down to anti-semitism. It's racist. Things like this shouldn't happen these days but obviously some people don't know any better."
The Sinai Synagogue refused to comment on the incident when approached by the YEP.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "We were called to reports of bacon being draped on door handles and in the key hole of a synagogue.
"West Yorkshire Police take such incidents very seriously and scenes of crime officers were sent to examine the door and dust for fingerprints.
"Officers also liaised closely with members of the synagogue and we would like to reassure members of the Jewish community that incidents such as this are rare."
Any witnesses to the incident are asked to call West Yorkshire Police on 0845 606 0606.
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
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