By Lesley Walsh
A BROAD coalition of politicians, church leaders, community groups and local organisations has come together to condemn a series of racially motivated incidents in Holywood, including one last weekend.
North Down MP Alex Easton is among those who have signed an open statement declaring that ‘racism, intimidation and hatred have no place here’, following a string of attacks and racist graffiti in the town.
The statement came just days before graffiti stating ‘blacks out’ appeared on
a path at Seapark in the town and two weeks after two children were injured when their family home in Church Green was attacked by masked youths.
The children and their parents, who are from Syria, fled the property on August 2 after a window was smashed. Shortly afterwards, the home of their grandparents on nearby Church Road was also attacked, with windows broken and paint thrown over the property.
Further racist and sectarian graffiti was subsequently discovered in a pedestrian underpass, including a swastika and phrases including ‘f*** migrants’, ‘Heil Hitler’ and ‘Up the Ra’.
The graffiti was sprayed across community murals, causing damage.
Police investigating the incidents have confirmed they are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.
In their statement, the signatories said they wanted to speak out against ‘intimidation and hatred’ and emphasised that Holywood should remain a safe and welcoming town for people of all backgrounds.
“Holywood is a town where everyone is welcome, and where people of all backgrounds should feel safe, respected and valued,” they said.
“We stand together — churches, sports clubs, community organisations, local businesses and residents — to affirm that racism, intimidation and hatred have no place here. They are an evil abhorrent to our faith and civic traditions.”
The statement also rejected attempts to divide the community through fear or hostility and pledged to promote inclusion, respect and tolerance.
It concluded: “In light of recent attacks on homes our message is simple: we all belong together.
“Holywood is a community for everyone, and we commit ourselves to ensuring it remains a place of safety, dignity and welcome.”
