The chief rabbi has condemned a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” against the Jewish community after an attempted arson attack at Kenton United Synagogue in north-west London on Saturday night. The incident caused minor smoke damage but no injuries, according to the Community Security Trust. The synagogue is located near a school and children’s playground.
Police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the attack, which follows similar incidents at a synagogue in Finchley on Wednesday and a former Jewish Futures building in Hendon on Friday. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the Metropolitan Police is considering whether the attacks were carried out by Iranian proxies, as a group called Ashab al-Yamin has claimed responsibility online.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack. A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.” He urged society to recognise the danger before lives are lost.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the attacks as “abhorrent” and said visible policing is being increased. Saul Taylor, president of the Kenton synagogue, called on Starmer to declare “an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate”. The Metropolitan Police has deployed extra resources to north-west London as counter-terrorism officers lead the investigation.
