A mayoral candidate for Reform UK has ignited controversy with inflammatory comments regarding a Jewish neighborhood watch group, Shomrim, following a recent attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity. Chris Parry likened Shomrim volunteers to 'cosplayers' and equated them to 'Islamists on horseback,' comments that have drawn widespread condemnation.
Parry, who is set to run in Hampshire and the Solent in the upcoming 2028 elections, made these remarks on social media shortly after reports emerged of an arson attack on ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a charity service that provides emergency medical assistance. The attack occurred in north London and has prompted a counter-terrorism investigation by the police. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Controversial Comments Follow Attack on Charity
The incendiary comments came after a post by Catherine Blaiklock, a co-founder of the Brexit Party, questioned whether Christians in Britain could establish their own policing groups. She included a photo of Shomrim vehicles, which are used by volunteers to patrol neighborhoods, particularly those with significant Orthodox Jewish populations. Parry shared Blaiklock's post and added his own critique of Shomrim, stating, 'Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.'
When Challenged about his remarks, Parry defended his position by arguing that Shomrim is merely a community organization, lacking the legal authority typically associated with police forces. He further remarked, 'It's the same with Islamists on horseback,' which has been perceived as a deeply offensive analogy. Parry later offered to remove the post if it was found to be offensive.
Community Response and Backlash
Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim, responded to Parry's comments, stating that they reflect a profound ignorance of the organization's mission and contributions to community safety. 'It shows a level of bias and ignorance which I'm surprised at given that this is a politician who aspires to be a mayor,' Gluck said. He emphasized that Shomrim operates in collaboration with local police and serves all segments of the community, not just Jewish residents.
In light of the recent arson attack, Shomrim volunteers have heightened their patrols to ensure the safety of their neighborhoods. Rabbi Gluck noted that the organization has a strong relationship with the police, who appreciate their efforts in maintaining public safety. He expressed disappointment that a candidate for public office would resort to such derogatory language.
Previous Controversies Surrounding Parry
This is not the first time Chris Parry has stirred controversy. Earlier this year, he faced backlash after suggesting that David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and a prominent Labour MP, should 'go home to the Caribbean.' Lammy, who was born in London to Guyanese parents, denounced Parry's comments as racially charged and inappropriate. Parry later apologized for those remarks, describing them as 'clumsily worded.'
Despite the ongoing criticism and the backlash from his most recent comments, Parry remains the Reform UK candidate for the mayoral election in Hampshire. His comments about Shomrim have reignited discussions about the role of community policing and the perception of volunteer organizations in the UK.
Shomrim's Role in Community Safety
Shomrim is a volunteer group that has been active in providing a sense of security within Jewish communities across the UK. Their role extends beyond mere observation; they assist in emergency situations alongside established services like Hatzola. The group's volunteers often liaise with local police to ensure a coordinated approach to safety, particularly in areas where there may be heightened tensions or incidents of anti-Semitism.
In the wake of the arson attack on Hatzola's ambulances, Shomrim's volunteers are more vigilant than ever. The police have stated that they are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime, which adds further gravity to the context surrounding Parry's comments. As community tensions rise, the contributions of organizations like Shomrim are more critical than ever.
The fallout from Chris Parry's remarks illustrates the challenges faced by community organizations in a polarized political landscape. Community safety and mutual respect among different groups are essential, and comments that undermine these principles can have lasting repercussions in society.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.