News, Manchester
Two men have filmed themselves driving around a community spraying a water gun at orthodox Jews, prompting a police investigation.
The footage, shared widely on social media, showed the men laughing and smiling as they squirted at traditionally-dressed pedestrians, including children, in Greater Manchester.
The pair soundtracked the video with Hava Nagila, a folk song traditionally sung at Jewish celebrations.
“A crime has been recorded, with multiple lines of enquiry being actively investigated,” Greater Manchester Police said.
“We are working closely with partners to provide reassurance to the communities impacted.”
The force also urged anyone with information to get in touch.
The video also appeared on a YouTube account and has since been deleted.
The video has been widely condemned, with the Community Security Trust, a charity that promotes the safety and protection of Jewish people, describing it as “an appalling antisemitic video”.
The Jewish Chronicle reported the men had described themselves as “pranksters” and had filmed other similar incidents across the UK.
One of the men told the publication: “I don’t understand how this suddenly became labelled as hate speech. It’s just a normal human joke, nothing offensive or targeted.”
