Education is Key

Choosing learning over violence:Education is Key is essential for creating a peaceful and prosperous society. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate challenges, resolve conflicts, and build better futures. Instead of resorting to violence, which only leads to destruction and further division, investing in education fosters understanding, empathy, and collaboration. By prioritizing learning, we can address the root causes of violence and equip people with the tools to create positive change in their communities, ensuring a more harmonious and sustainable world for everyone.

A Community in Shock: The Aftermath of Harehills Disorder

A week after the disturbing events in Harehills, where a double-decker bus was set ablaze, a police car was overturned, and numerous arrests were made, residents and business owners reflect on the impact of the chaos that unfolded on July 18.

A Business Owner's Shock and Fear

Miller Owolo Kadiri, the owner of an off-licence on Foundry Approach, found himself at the heart of the turmoil. Just a few feet away from his shop, a bus was engulfed in flames. The sign above his shop now bears the blackened marks of smoke, a stark reminder of that night.

Fearful of potential looting, Kadiri, who has managed his business for 12 years, locked up and retreated to the safety of his home as the crowds approached from Harehills Lane. "I have never experienced anything like this," said the 54-year-old, still visibly shaken. "There’s no justification for destroying public property, police vehicles, and endangering lives."

A Neighborhood in Panic

The tightly-packed terraced houses behind Kadiri’s shop were filled with panic as residents fled their homes to escape the fire. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the memory of that night lingers. Kadiri urges the police to take stronger preventive measures, insisting that the situation was entirely unnecessary. "This was not called for," he said, emphasizing the need for better protection in the future.

Returning to Normalcy

A week later, the physical signs of the chaos have mostly disappeared. Businesses have reopened, and people are once again going about their daily routines. However, the emotional scars remain. Local residents reported a heavy police presence in the days following the unrest, but by the time the BBC visited on Friday morning, the streets were quiet, with no officers in sight.

Resignation Among Shop Owners

A shop owner on Harehills Lane, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisals, expressed a sense of resignation. "This has happened before. To us, it's just another time here," he said, reflecting on the recurring nature of such incidents in the area. Despite the challenges, he noted that Harehills is a resilient community, eager to move forward and leave the past behind.

Police Response and Arrests

The police have identified 40 suspects involved in the disorder, with several arrests already made. Three men have been charged with arson related to the bus fire. Despite the swift response, some locals felt the media exaggerated the event. "A little bonfire was shown all over the world. It wasn't even a riot; nothing was broken, and all the shops were fine," said one resident, who wished to remain unnamed.

She believes the initial disturbance, which was related to a child protection issue, escalated because "people have had enough." The underlying tensions in the community, she suggests, may have fueled the large turnout on the streets.

Divergent Views on the Impact

Not everyone shares this view. John White, who runs a domestic appliance repair business on Harehills Lane, condemned those responsible for the disorder and lamented the lack of community cohesion. "From a business point of view, it has affected the area because the elderly don't want to come in," he said. White recounted how a 95-year-old woman was too frightened to leave her home during the unrest, spending the night crying in fear. "It's not good for business, and I can't understand why they are ruining their own areas."

A Call for Peaceful Protest

Saad Siddique, who owns a phone repair shop on Harehills Lane, also suffered from the disruption. His bins were set on fire, and he was forced to install a steel gate to protect his premises. For three days, his business struggled, with takings as low as £30 per day. Trade has yet to fully recover. Siddique, who lives in Harehills with his partner Sidra and their four children, said he initially tried to intervene in the unrest but met with aggression and decided to close his shop and go home.

"What happened isn't acceptable," Siddique stated, expressing hope that the events might lead to positive change in the community. He emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and the need for both young people and their parents to take responsibility for their actions. "You don't have the right to do these things—burning a bus, attacking police, attacking people. Damage is not a solution; education is a must."

Looking Forward: A Community's Resilience

As Harehills begins to heal from the disorder, the community's resilience is evident. While the physical damage may be repaired, the emotional wounds will take longer to heal. The residents and business owners of Harehills are determined to move forward, hoping that lessons will be learned and that future unrest can be prevented.