Hamas Israel attacks: Hertfordshire village community left frightened

The Office for National Statistics says 31.5% of people in Radlett identify as Jewish

The death toll has continued to rise since Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel. It has led to shock around the world, including among large Jewish communities in the UK.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Hertsmere in Hertfordshire is the local authority area with the highest concentration of Jewish people in the UK. This week, its council lit up its buildings with blue and white lights in solidarity with Israel.

Radlett, a village in the district, has a population of about 10,000, of which 31.5% identify as Jewish, the ONS said. How have people living there been affected by the attacks?

'You feel threatened living here'

David P Perlmutter is an author who also works in a family-run restaurant in Radlett

Author David P Perlmutter, who also works in a restaurant in Radlett, says his customers have spoken of concerns about their safety.

On Monday, British Jews attended a vigil outside Downing Street in London.

David was keen to go but his family told him not to.

He says: "My family didn't want me to go; they said there would be trouble. I can understand their concern."

His older brother, Stuart Perlmutter, who lives in the neighbouring town of Borehamwood, adds: "Even living thousands of miles away, you feel threatened living here."

Hertsmere's Conservative MP Oliver Dowden says his "thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel and all those who have loved ones there"

'It's really frightening'

Danielle Bookatz is a mother in Radlett with two young boys at a local Jewish school.

She says she wants to protect her young children from knowing the full details of what has happened.

"I barely understand," she says. "I don't think anybody can truly understand the depth of what's going on so I'm just trying to protect them, really."

• What is happening in Israel, and why now?

The 35-year-old says she is pleased there is a big Jewish community in the village.

"It's the first time in my life that I thought 'I wish my kids weren't at a Jewish school'. It's frightening, it's really frightening," she adds.

'You don't know what's going to happen'

Larry Burns has been worried about the level of security at local synagogues

Larry Burns says he has been "disgusted" watching the news unfold.

His wife, Sharon Burns, adds: "We don't feel unsafe, we're out and about like we normally are but you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."

The couple, in their 70s, are also worried about friends and family currently in Israel.

"I am very worried... they're absolutely petrified, they don't know where the rockets are going," says Mr Burns.

They also have concerns about a friend who recently went to Israel on holiday and has been struggling to find a flight home.

"She's terrified," says Mrs Burns. "Can you imagine getting caught up when you go on holiday?"

'I worry all the time'

There are three synagogues in Radlett

Jonathan Gordon is also concerned about his loved ones and says following the latest updates on the news has left him "sickened".

The 74-year-old says: "There's a large Jewish community here. Most people will know relatives in Israel."

Mr Gordon has been receiving texts from a friend hiding in a bunker in Tel Aviv.

"I'm worried, I worry all the time," he says.

The Radlett resident is full of praise for the unity demonstrated by the Jewish community in the village and adds: "Almost everybody will know somebody and we know it's only the beginning."