David Abraham experienced a terrifying ordeal on a London bus, trapped and subjected to hateful abuse after a simple mishap. While traveling in Stamford Hill, he accidentally dropped his bank card near the driver’s cab, a moment that quickly spiraled into an hour-long nightmare.
The driver refused to return the card, instead launching into a tirade, accusing Abraham of resembling a “Mossad agent” and declaring his dislike of Jewish people. Passengers, witnessing the escalating confrontation, disembarked, leaving Abraham isolated with his abuser.
A desperate plea for his card became a desperate plea for help. A shaky video recorded on the bus captures Abraham’s anguish, his voice cracking as he begs for the return of his property. “I’m begging the driver to give me my bank card,” he sobs, “He doesn’t want to give it to me… he doesn’t like Jewish people.”
The driver remained impassive, seemingly ignoring Abraham’s distress as he paced the length of the bus. The situation felt surreal to Abraham, a man originally from Africa, to be targeted with such animosity by someone who shared his own racial background.
Finally, police arrived and secured the return of Abraham’s bank card, bringing an end to his confinement. However, the emotional scars of the incident run deep. Abraham described being “traumatised” by the experience, feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
He recounted his shock and fear to the Jewish Chronicle, stating, “I did nothing to him… I was very shocked. I panicked, and I was scared. I’m not safe.” The incident has left him deeply shaken and questioning his security.
Transport for London (TfL) swiftly responded, suspending the driver pending a full investigation. A spokesperson condemned the behavior as “unacceptable,” emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are treating the incident as a hate crime, following an initial report of a verbal dispute. Investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the driver’s actions and motivations.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed outrage, calling the alleged actions “disgraceful” and potentially criminal. They demanded swift justice, including the driver’s dismissal and a formal apology to Abraham.
This incident occurred on a route serving one of London’s most prominent Haredi communities, adding another layer of concern to an already disturbing situation. It serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance.
