- Amanda Hardy has been suspended from Barkers estate agent in Borehamwood
The branch manager of an estate agent has been suspended after appearing to celebrate the death of Lord Jacob Rothschild.
Lord Rothschild – the financier and member of the Rothschild banking family – has died at the age of 87, his family announced yesterday.
Following his death, Amanda Hardy from Barkers estate and lettings agents in Borehamwood, allegedly wrote a social media post which said: ‘The world is a better place with this Zionist dead. Just got to hope all the others follow.’
Proprietor of Barkers, Chris Newell, told MailOnline he was ‘extremely dismayed’ by the post as he confirmed Hardy had been suspended pending an investigation which could result in disciplinary action.
The Jewish News, who saw the post, said she initially apologised for any offence caused, but said: ‘People need to start questioning.’
Responding to how the Jewish community could feel about her comments, she told them: ‘I have lots of Jewish friends, I have a rabbi that I know, lots of beautiful Jewish friends and to be honest with you, they all love me and respect me and know me.’
She denied her comments were antisemitic or against the Jewish religion.
Proprietor of Barkers Chris Newell told MailOnline he was ‘extremely dismayed’ by the post.
‘The views expressed in that post do not represent those of the business or any member of staff in the business – and do not represent my views either.
‘I find the post offensive, I think everybody in the business finds it offensive.
‘Amanda Hardy has been suspended pending an investigation and as a result of that disciplinary action may follow.
‘The business has been operating in this area for 30 years serving communities of all faiths.
‘I’m sympathetic to those who find this post offensive and I share this view. I am extremely dismayed by it.’
Following the death of Lord Rothschild, his family said in a statement: ‘Our father Jacob was a towering presence in many people’s lives, a superbly accomplished financier, a champion of the arts and culture, a devoted public servant, a passionate supporter of charitable causes in Israel and Jewish culture, a keen environmentalist and much-loved friend, father and grandfather.
‘He will be buried in accordance with Jewish custom in a small family ceremony and there will be a memorial at a later date to celebrate his life.’
The Rothschild Foundation said Lord Rothschild was an ‘extraordinary person’ who ‘made a profound difference to many areas of British life’.
It confirmed that Lord Rothschild’s daughter, Hannah, would succeed him as chair of the Rothschild Foundation.
The foundation said: ‘He was committed to helping communities, the environment, education and above all, the arts.’
It added: ‘Jacob Rothschild was an extraordinary person, and his loss will be felt by many.
‘The family is committed to continuing his legacy and the foundation which he loved and endowed.’
The British peer, who was also well-known in the arts and heritage world, started his career in the family bank, NM Rothschild & Sons, in 1963.
He then went on to co-found the then J Rothschild Assurance Group, now St James’s Place, with Sir Mark Weinberg in 1980.
Lord Rothschild – who had four children including the financier Nat Rothschild – also founded Windmill Hill Asset Management to manage the family’s philanthropic portfolio.
His family have an estimated fortune of around £82 million, according to last year’s Sunday Times Rich List, and give away a reported £66million to Jewish causes, education and art.
During his career, Lord Rothschild held roles such as deputy chairman at the then BSkyB Television and was also chairman of trustees at The National Gallery.
MailOnline has attempted to contact Amanda Hardy for comment.
