An upstanding member of the public, out walking in west London, discovered racist and anti-Muslim graffiti in two locations that dehumanised and disparaged Arabs, Palestinians, and the Prophet Muhammad.
Speaking to Tell MAMA and wishing to maintain their anonymity, the individual described passing through a quiet street on June 22 where, upon a steel girder, written in permanent marker they found the racist and deeply upsetting statements “F*** Arabs” and “F*** the Prophet Mohammed”.
Having walked further, they soon discovered other graffiti that included “F*** Palestine”.
Tell MAMA has since reported the incident to the Metropolitan police and flagged the racist graffiti with the local council.
Anyone can report graffiti in public areas anonymously – be it on bins, benches, and public buildings – to their local council, online or otherwise.
In May, Tell MAMA recorded a disturbing spike in reports of anti-Muslim hate, discrimination, and Islamophobia across social media and in some schools.
On social media, we catalogued examples of users referring to young Muslims as ‘future terrorists’ for articulating their support for Palestine.
The Independent reported on May 19, in an article headlined, “Israel-Gaza conflict triggers spike in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate in UK” that our service “recorded 56 anti-Muslim and Islamophobic incidents between 8 and 17 May, compared to 13 in the week of 1 to 7 May” – a spike of 430 per cent since May 8.
Other coverage appeared in the Guardian and New Statesman. With the issue also being raised in parliament.
We have long championed the right to protest safely and free from abuse or violence, and with schools, encourage staff to facilitate dialogue and allow students to discuss topics that allow them to express concerns, raise awareness whilst making their voices heard on fundamental rights-based issues.
We also welcomed the swift action of First to suspend a bus driver who made racist comments towards a young girl in Norwich who attended a solidarity demonstration. Dorset Police launched an appeal after a racist targeted an individual following a Palestine solidarity demonstration in Bournemouth.
More broadly, Tell MAMA has long highlighted parental dissatisfaction when schools address issues of bullying, especially when involving staff members. And, one of our key recommendations for schools in 2018 and subsequent years concerned that “Teachers and senior members of staff should be reminded of their legal obligations to handle complaints sensitively and should do more to ensure transparency about their formal and informal complaints procedures.”
We encourage parents, teachers, and schools to download our tailor-made safety tips for students to help give support to Muslim students and those impacted by racist bullying.
We will continue to provide updates where available.
You can get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Or contact us via WhatsApp on 0734 184 6086.