By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Seventeen hate crimes and incidents have been reported to Nottinghamshire Police relating to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said officers were “working hard with Muslim and Jewish communities”.
Mrs Henry added the Nottinghamshire force had also sent officers to London to support protests “where necessary”.
The comments were made at the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel on November 20.
Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are.
When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes.
Israel launched air strikes and later an invasion of Gaza after Hamas militants crossed the border on 7 October, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says 13,000 people have been killed in attacks.
Councillor David Ellis (Lab) said during the meeting: “Can you update us on what plans there are to address Islamaphobia and anti-semitism and feelings caused by the issues in the Middle East?”
Mrs Henry said: “After the dreadful incidents in Gaza and the whole Israel-Palestine conflict, it has a knock-on nationally and has touched Nottingham too.
“Officers are working hard with both Muslim and Jewish communities.
“We’ve had a request for mutual aid in London when the big protests have been happening.
“Police have been sending vans down to support where necessary.
“None of our officers have been hurt, because that was a worry to me.
“A Gold group has been established to review and oversee any incidents.”
Deputy Chief Constable, Steve Cooper, added: “We do monitor every hour reports of hate crime or tensions that come in.
“It’s not something that we are complacent about. Anything we do get, we investigate extremely thoroughly.”
Councillor Ellis added: “What discussions have you had personally with Jewish or Muslim communities?”
Mrs Henry said: “I tried to do one on Saturday, there was an event at the synagogue in Bobbers Mill but when I got there it had all finished.
“I do regularly speak with the Rabbi at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue and I’ve got many Muslim friends.”
