RIOTOUS Jews congregated in Hendon at the weekend, causing “havoc” in the streets.
Crowds of more than 300 men spilled into the Golders Green Road and Brent Street areas as part of Purim celebrations on Saturday night.
Barnet police said they received “numerous” calls about disturbances and officers were called out to break up the swathes of drunken revellers.
A police statement said there was “fighting, throwing of fireworks, and general havoc” which caused “annoyance” to many people in the area.
The worst of the trouble occurred between 10pm and 12.30am.
The Community Security Trust, a Jewish protection organisation, worked with the police to control the crowd throughout the evening, although only one report of affray has so far been made to police.
The annual festival of Purim is recognised as a mitzvah where observers are obliged to have a “sumptuous meal” including meat dishes and wine.
There is a custom of drinking to excess during the celebrations — teachings say, “a person is obligated to drink on Purim till he no longer knows the difference between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordechai”.
Did you experience any of the disturbances over the weekend? If so, call Kevin Bradford on the newsdesk on 020 8359 5906.
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