Shomrim, the Jewish community safety group, has announced it will increase patrols following a terrorist attack in Golders Green. The incident, which has been declared a terrorist attack by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, saw two people stabbed outside a synagogue on Wednesday.
Volunteer Yonathan Elkouby from Shomrim helped police detain the suspect. He described how he locked eyes with the alleged knifeman and, alongside two Metropolitan Police officers, wrestled him to the ground. 'I managed to block him off, and with the police, we managed to put him down,' he said.
Shomrim, which means 'watchers' or 'guards' in Hebrew, operates patrols in parts of north and east London. The organisation has no legal powers but works in conjunction with the Met Police. It is a registered charity funded entirely privately, with no government support. Volunteers wear stab-proof vests and yellow caps, and the group runs a 24-hour emergency line.
Ben Grossnass, a Shomrim officer, said the group is 'extremely stretched' due to rising antisemitism. 'Currently and never have we been supported financially by the government,' he said. 'It's time they put their hand in their pocket and assisted us the way we need it.' He added that the government should 'stand shoulder to shoulder with our community ensuring safety.'
In a statement on X, Shomrim North West said: 'This marks the second terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community in the UK within seven months. Shomrim, London North and East will be increasing patrols and security, working closely with police and partners.'
