UK Is Not Safe For Jews
UK Bus Driver Traps Crying Jewish Passenger, Threatens Him as a 'Mossad Agent | WATCH
Coverage of antisemitic incidents on London's public transport network, including investigations, community responses, and safety measures for passengers.
A Jewish man was allegedly subjected to a prolonged and distressing antisemitic attack by a London bus driver who refused to return the passenger’s bank card and trapped him alone on the vehicle for approximately an hour. The incident, which reportedly occurred recently and has been partially captured on video, has ignited widespread condemnation and prompted an urgent investigation by Transport for London (TfL).
Allegations of Hate Crime and False Imprisonment
The passenger, identified only as David, who was reportedly dressed in visibly Orthodox Jewish attire, stated that the confrontation began as he attempted to pay his fare.
According to David's account, the driver shouted an initial antisemitic remark, which caused David to drop his debit card. When the card slipped into a crevice near the driver's console, an area inaccessible to passengers, David repeatedly asked for its return. The driver allegedly refused, declaring he would not give the card back "because you're Jewish."
As other passengers exited the bus, the driver reportedly locked the doors, leaving David trapped inside.
"Throughout the ordeal, the driver continued to show open hostility toward Jews," an advocacy group reported. David alleges that the driver escalated the abuse, going so far as to accuse him of being a Mossad agent.
Video footage of the distressed passenger pleading for his card while the driver ignored him has since surfaced online, highlighting the severity of the alleged encounter.
Police Intervention and Official Response
David was eventually able to contact a friend, who in turn notified the police. The driver only returned the debit card and released David after Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the scene.
The alleged incident has immediately drawn the attention of UK Jewish community leaders and transport authorities.
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that it is urgently and thoroughly investigating the footage and the allegations of antisemitic abuse. A TfL spokesperson stated that there is "zero tolerance" for hate crime on the transport network and confirmed the matter is being handled by the bus operator. The Metropolitan Police are also conducting their own investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a potential hate crime and false imprisonment.
A Jewish lawyer has offered to assist David in pursuing a formal legal complaint against the bus company responsible for the driver.
A Pattern of Public Antisemitism
This event occurs amid a significant and sustained increase in antisemitic incidents across the UK, particularly in London, following geopolitical tensions. Recent reports from monitoring groups indicate a sharp rise in hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals in public spaces, on public transport, and in their homes.
This specific case is the latest in a worrying trend of confrontations on public transport, which has previously included the suspension of a Tube driver for leading a pro-Palestinian chant over the public address system and other documented incidents of verbal and physical antisemitic abuse.
The outcome of the investigation into the driver’s alleged actions will be closely watched by the Jewish community as a test of the commitment of UK authorities to safeguarding Jewish Londoners from targeted public hostility.