Pro-Israel Sticker in London's Finchley Sparks Outrage and Investigation
A sticker with inflammatory text has been discovered in the heart of one of London's Jewish communities, specifically in Finchley, Barnet, an area known for hosting the largest Jewish population in the country. The sticker, which has since been removed, depicted what appeared to be a Muslim man staring menacingly and bore the text: 'You love me because I kill Jews for you.' This incident has been reported as an attempt to stoke hatred, prompting swift action from local residents and authorities.
Immediate Response and Community Concerns
Simon Rockman, a Jewish resident living near where the sticker was placed, spotted it and took immediate action. He reported the sticker to the police, his local MP, and councillors, describing it as anti-semitic and personally targeted. The Metropolitan Police responded promptly, removing the sticker after receiving a report at around 15:30hrs on Friday, 20 February. Despite its offensive nature, investigations reveal that the sticker is not linked to an antisemitic group; instead, one of the Instagram accounts associated with it is staunchly pro-Israel.
False Flag Operation Suspected
The Instagram account in question posts content detailing 'the fall of the West' and indigenous European populations, while making accusations against figures like Barack Obama and groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine. Simon Rockman suggested that this might be a false flag operation, aimed at inciting fear and hatred in a predominantly Jewish area. He noted that while he supports Israel, the sticker's initial impact was deeply unsettling for Jewish individuals. The Community Support Trust (CST), a charity protecting British Jews from antisemitism, confirmed that this is not an isolated incident, having dealt with similar cases before.
Rising Incidents of Antisemitism in London
According to the CST's latest incidents report, Barnet accounted for 44% of London's total reported antisemitic incidents. Stickers have become a common method for such acts, with 217 instances of 'Damage and Desecration' to Jewish property recorded in 2025, marking a 38% increase from the previous year. This trend includes recent vandalism, such as the daubing of a Menorah with white paint in west London during the Hannukah festival, following the Bondi beach terror attack. The Community Safety Trust condemned these acts as appalling and disgraceful, emphasizing the need for Jewish communities to celebrate without fear.
Historical Context and Ongoing Investigations
In 2024, similar stickers featuring Hitler's image and provocative text were placed around London, highlighting a persistent pattern of using stickers to spread hate. The Metropolitan Police have stated that enquiries into the Finchley sticker remain ongoing, underscoring the seriousness with which such incidents are treated. The CST, while not providing an official comment, indicated that the sticker has caused significant offence, despite its pro-Israel/anti-Hamas stance. This incident underscores the complex dynamics of hate speech and false flag operations in urban areas.
As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, with residents like Simon Rockman advocating for awareness and action against such provocations. The broader context of rising antisemitic incidents in London calls for increased efforts to protect vulnerable communities and address the root causes of hatred.
