"Authorities urge recent target of anti-Semitic harassment to desist from online sharing"
In Brighton, East Sussex, Jewish activist Heidi Bachram has accused Sussex Police of demonstrating double standards in their investigation of online antisemitic abuse against her. Bachram claims that instead of actively investigating the hate she received, police advised her to stop posting about Gaza rather than pursuing the abuser[1][5].
This allegation comes after Bachram reported relentless antisemitic attacks, including cruel insults about her murdered relatives, with no substantial action taken by the police[1]. The abuse reached a new low when Bachram shared a hostage memorial in Brighton, which was then defaced with faeces. In response, Sussex Police reached out to her, advising her to refrain from posting about 'politically sensitive subjects'[6].
Bachram's family connection to the conflict is undeniable. In February, the remains of her first cousin Tsachi Idan, along with three other Israeli hostages, were handed over by Hamas[3]. Tragically, Idan and his daughter Mayan, 18, were murdered by Hamas terrorists at their home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz[2][4]. Bachram has been especially distressed by posts referencing the hostages due to her family connection[7].
The perceived disparity in handling antisemitic abuse cases involving politically sensitive issues is a concern that goes beyond Bachram's case. It raises important questions about the consistent enforcement of hate crime laws and victim support by UK law enforcement agencies[1].
Notably, the case has garnered attention beyond local circles. Comedienne Dawn French, who had previously shared a video on the Gaza crisis, apologized unreservedly and took it down[8].
Bachram's allegations of double standards have been met with a promise of a full investigation from Sussex Police, who acknowledge receiving a formal complaint from her[1]. However, the initial advice to self-censor rather than pursue the abuser points to a perceived disparity in the police's treatment of offenders[1].
Bachram has not only been a victim of online abuse but has also been called 'ugly Zionist' and 'genocidal Zionist pig'[7]. Despite this, she continues her activism, advocating for justice and raising awareness about antisemitism.
[1] The Jewish Chronicle [2] The Times of Israel [3] The Guardian [4] BBC News [5] The Argus [6] The Jewish News [7] The Jewish Chronicle [8] The Sun
- Heidi Bachram's accusation of double standards by Sussex Police in handling her online antisemitic abuse has sparked debate about the enforcement of hate crime laws and victim support, not just in her case, but across UK law enforcement agencies.
- Bachram's case has gained attention in the realm of social media, with notable figures like Comedienne Dawn French acknowledging and addressing the Gaza crisis.
- The general news outlets, including The Jewish Chronicle, The Times of Israel, The Guardian, BBC News, The Argus, The Jewish News, The Jewish Chronicle, and The Sun, have covered Bachram's allegations, revealing the extent of online antisemitic abuse and the perceived biased approach by the authorities in investigating such cases.
- In addition to the online attacks, Bachram has faced direct insults such as being called 'ugly Zionist' and 'genocidal Zionist pig', but she continues her activism, using social media to raise awareness about antisemitism and advocate for justice.
