Two Jewish men have been stabbed in north London in what Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as a “deeply concerning” attack. The incident occurred in Golders Green, where a man was seen running along the road armed with a knife and “attempting to stab Jewish members of the public”, according to the Jewish security group Shomrim.
Suspect Arrested After Attack
Shomrim reported on social media that members of the group detained the suspect before police officers arrived and tasered him. He was subsequently arrested. Two victims are being treated by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service.
Context of Recent Attacks
The stabbing took place about half a mile from a memorial wall that was the target of an attempted arson attack on Monday, and near where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire in late March. These incidents are part of a series of alleged attacks on Jewish sites in London in recent weeks.
Political Reactions
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Keir Starmer said: “It is deeply concerning to everyone in this House. There is now a police investigation and I think we all need to do everything we can to support that investigation and be absolutely clear in our determination to deal with any of these offences, the like of which we have seen too much recently.”
Sarah Sackman, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, stated: “Attacks on British Jews are an attack on Britain itself.” Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan condemned the “appalling attack” and announced that the Metropolitan Police would increase patrols in the area. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy called the attack “horrific”, adding: “No one should live in fear because of who they are.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is being kept updated by police and expressed solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the stabbings as “yet another appalling antisemitic attack” and criticised the government’s response to antisemitism, Iran, and Islamist extremism.
Community Response
The Community Security Trust (CST) thanked Shomrim, Hatzola, and the police for their swift response, urging anyone with information to come forward. The Board of Deputies of British Jews confirmed they are liaising with the CST, government, and police to ensure a forceful response.
