Agent working in Jewish area suspended after ‘hoping’ Zionists die

An estate agency based in the heart of one of the UK’s largest Jewish communities has faced backlash after one of its staff members posted comments on social media expressing hope that Zionists die.

Amanda Hardy, who is listed on LinkedIn as a branch manager at Borehamwood-based Barkers Estate and Letting Agents in Hertfordshire, has been suspended by the company pending an investigation after commenting about the death of financier Lord Rothschild earlier this week by stating: “The world is a better place with this Zionist dead. Just got to hope all the others follow.”

The post caused offence among many in the Jewish community who have said they would be uncomfortable working with someone who celebrates the death of a Jew and then suggests that Zionists, who would most likely also be Jews, should die.

The comment has been deleted and Hardy apologised to the Jewish News, claiming she didn’t know what the word Zionist meant.

This is despite working in a well-known Jewish neighbourhood that holds vigils calling for the return of the kidnapped Israeli hostages almost across the road from the Barkers’ branch each week.

She told the Jewish News that she would “never judge someone by their religion” but also recommended to the news publication that it “research what Israel is fighting against.”

Chris Newell, the founder of Barkers, told the Jewish Chronicle that Hardy has been suspended pending an investigation.

He said he also found the post offensive and that it doesn’t represent the views of the business.

Estate Agent Today has seen Facebook comments from local residents in Borehamwood and the surrounding areas claiming they will no longer work with the brand and some are believed to have asked to be removed from its mailing list.

Comments have also appeared on the Barkers’ Facebook page asking what it is doing about the issue, while negative reviews have been placed on its Google Reviews page in relation to the comments. This has pushed down its star rating.

Barkers has been asked for further comment.