The chief rabbi has declared that Jews in the UK are facing a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” after another attempted arson attack on a London synagogue, the fourth such incident in less than a month.
Police were called to Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, north-west London, on Saturday night. The Community Security Trust confirmed that the attack caused minor smoke damage to an internal room but no injuries. A large cordon remained in place on Sunday, with forensic officers and fire investigation dogs at the scene.
Senior counter-terrorism officer Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the Metropolitan Police is investigating whether the series of arson attacks were carried out by Iranian proxies. The group Ashab al-Yamin has claimed responsibility for several incidents online, and similar patterns have been observed across Europe.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said in a statement: “A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum. Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot – and must not – wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attacks as “abhorrent”, adding: “Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain. We are increasing visible policing and those responsible will be found and brought to justice.” Saul Taylor, president of the synagogue, called on Starmer to declare “an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate”.
