A pub in West Yorkshire has issued an apology following backlash over a quiz team name that mocked the Jewish community shortly after a brutal stabbing incident in north London.
The Controversial Quiz Team Name
During last week’s quiz night at The Crown in Boston Spa, a team entered under the name ‘Golders Green should be Golders Greed.’ The reference targeted Golders Green, a north London suburb with a significant Jewish population, just days after two men were stabbed there on April 29.
No objections were raised during the event, and the team was announced as winners. However, a local resident learned of the name through a family member who attended and lodged a formal complaint with the pub.
Resident’s Strong Reaction
The complainant ed deep dismay, stating, “This was absolutely outrageous and is both insensitive and racist towards innocent British Jews (many of whom are your customers). I am not Jewish, and I have no connections. But I am a decent person. How was this allowed in our local pub? Which member of staff felt this insensitive and damaging team name was acceptable?”
They further added, “This type of public victimisation perpetuates ill feeling and alienation towards a minority group. To be blunt, it incites hatred. The Crown is clearly not an inclusive establishment. What Jew could ever feel welcome or safe there. Shameful!” The resident said they felt ashamed to consider the pub their local.
Pub’s Response and Review
A manager at The Crown acknowledged the issue, confirming the pub is investigating the incident with the quiz team and staff. He stated, “We are very sorry that this team name caused offence and distress. The name should not have been accepted and we take concerns about discrimination and inclusivity very seriously.”
Measures are now in place to ensure greater scrutiny of future quiz team names.
Background on the Golders Green Stabbing
The offensive name came amid heightened tensions following a knife attack in Golders Green. Essa Suleiman, 45, faces charges of attempted murder for stabbing Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76, during a rampage on April 29.
Court proceedings revealed Suleiman also allegedly tried to murder Ishmail Hussein, a man he had known for about 20 years, at his Southwark home earlier that day. Suleiman appeared in court on May 1 and remains in custody pending a hearing at the Old Bailey on May 15.
