Hundreds of Tower Hamlets residents have signed a pledge against hate as part of national Hate Crime Awareness week, which ran earlier this month.

The campaign, first launched in 2008, was signed by hundreds of people, as well as organisations such as Queen Mary University of London.

Mace Hoque, an engagement officer for Tower Hamlets Council who pledged against hate, said: “Hate is something like a disease. Hate should not be accepted in any form. People should be aware of what kind of things are going on, what can we do to eradicate those and what kind of support services are available.”

According to the House of Commons’ statistics, Tower Hamlets saw the second-highest number of hate crimes in London between 2020 and 2021.

The Borough also showed the highest rise in anti-Semitic offences last year.

To raise awareness about hate crimes, the council organised a number of community events during the week, such as a peace walk and No Place for Hate football match.

Johanna Kaschke, a Tower Hamlets local who signed the pledge, said: “I became a No Place for Hate Champion because I am also a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and Neighbourhood Watch and No Place for Hate go together perfectly because there is no place for hate in Tower Hamlets.”