Chief Rabbi Decries 'Sustained Campaign of Violence' After Attempted Arson at London Synagogue
The chief rabbi has declared that Jews in the United Kingdom are confronting a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation following another attempted arson attack on a synagogue in London. This incident at the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, north-west London, occurred on Saturday night, resulting in minor smoke damage to an internal room but no injuries or significant structural harm, according to the Community Security Trust.
Police Investigation and Scene Details
On Sunday morning, police were observed searching a black SUV near the synagogue, with a large cordon established at the location. Forensic officers, fire investigation dogs, and several plainclothes officers worked diligently at the scene, alongside one marked and approximately five unmarked police vehicles. The building is situated close to a school and children's playground, heightening community concerns.
A senior counter-terrorism officer revealed that the Metropolitan Police is investigating whether a series of arson attacks against Jewish sites were executed by Iranian proxies. Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, stated on social media platform X: "Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack." He emphasised that this follows attacks in Finchley and Hendon, marking three Jewish sites assaulted in London within less than a week.
Recent Incidents and Community Response
According to police reports, a man was spotted approaching shops in Hendon carrying a plastic bag containing three bottles of fluid. He placed the bag by a building, attempted to ignite the items, and fled when they failed to fully combust. The former Jewish Futures building sustained minor shopfront damage, with no injuries reported.
In response, Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed outrage on X, stating: "I am appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in north London. This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain." He affirmed increased visible policing efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
Saul Taylor, representing the charity behind Kenton United Synagogue, urged the prime minister to publicly declare "an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate" in light of these events. He acknowledged that while government and police responses have been adequate, more preventive measures are necessary to halt such attacks entirely.
Counter-Terrorism Insights and Broader Context
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism, noted outside the synagogue that the incidents share similarities—arson attacks targeting Israeli- and Jewish-linked premises in London. Most have been claimed online by the group Ashab al-Yamin (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right), which has also claimed incidents across Europe at Jewish or Israeli interests.
Evans added: "I've spoken previously about the Iranian regime's use of criminal proxies, and we're considering whether this tactic is being used here in London. This is recruiting violence as a service, and the people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause and are taking quick cash for their crimes."
Other recent attacks include bottles placed near Finchley Reform Synagogue on Wednesday, with two individuals in dark clothing and balaclavas fleeing without igniting them, and four Jewish community ambulances set ablaze in Golders Green on March 23. A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the state's failure to tackle antisemitic extremism, highlighting the government's reluctance to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a concerning priority.
