Muslim Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Antisemitic Attack on Orthodox Jew in London

Moisha, an Orthodox Jewish man living in London, was attacked in an antisemitic incident on April 20 while working as a building inspector in Salford. Wearing a kippah, Moisha was verbally abused by Shafik Rahman, 48, who shouted antisemitic slurs, threatened him, and attempted to snatch his phone. Bystanders who intervened were also verbally abused. The attack was recorded and widely shared on social media, prompting police to seek public assistance in identifying the assailant.

Rahman was arrested on April 23 and charged the following day. He admitted to aggravated assault motivated by racial or religious hatred, causing fear or provoking violence through words, and criminal damage. Additionally, Rahman was convicted of a separate offense involving a dog under his care that severely injured a person in Thatcham in June 2025. On Friday, the court sentenced him to 16 months in prison.

Stuart Bosley, commander of the East Berkshire Thames Valley Police, condemned the attack as a "shocking and targeted antisemitic assault on a man simply doing his job." He emphasized the broader impact of such crimes on community safety and the necessity of combating hate crimes. Community Security Trust and Shomrim, organizations monitoring antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities in the UK, welcomed the conviction and highlighted the importance of legal consequences for hate crimes.

Moisha had previously written a poignant column in the Daily Mail describing the pervasive antisemitism in Britain, including hate marches, online abuse, and indoctrination in some mosques and schools. He expressed concern about the future of Jews in the UK, noting that some friends plan to leave while others feel compelled to stay. He criticized the government for failing to acknowledge the problem adequately and called for dramatic change to ensure Jewish safety and continuity in Britain.