Counter-terrorism police are actively investigating potential Iranian proxy involvement in a disturbing series of arson attacks against Jewish premises in north London. This probe follows another attempted arson at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, where officers on "deterrence and reassurance patrols" discovered window damage around midnight on Sunday.
Pattern of Attacks and Online Claims
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of the Metropolitan Police stated that the incidents have been "similar in nature," consistently targeting Israeli and Jewish locations within the capital. Most attacks have been claimed online by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, also known as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right or Hayi.
This group has recently asserted responsibility for assaults across Europe, including at Jewish and Israeli sites. A video purportedly published by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia shows an individual in dark clothing igniting an item and hurling it at the Kenton United Synagogue before fleeing. The footage, filmed by another person behind the building's metal fence, names leaders at the place of worship and accuses it of being "one of the centres of Zionist influence in the British capital."
Iranian Proxy Tactics Under Scrutiny
Ms Evans highlighted concerns about the Iranian regime's use of criminal proxies, noting that police are considering whether this tactic is being deployed in London. She described it as "recruiting violence as a service," where perpetrators often have minimal allegiance to the cause and accept quick cash for their crimes.
"I want to be clear, irrespective of the motivation of this group, to those who are facilitating this activity on their behalf and those who are committing the acts, we will not tolerate activity that seeks to intimidate and harm our communities," Evans asserted. "You will not succeed in creating division and hate."
As the Middle East conflict evolves, counter-terrorism policing remains vigilant to the threat of Iranian hostile activity in the UK. Evans added that police are aware of public reports suggesting links between the group and Iran, and will continue to explore this as the investigation progresses.
Political and Community Responses
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed being "appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in North London." In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he declared, "This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain." Number 10 is reportedly in contact with local Jewish community leaders following the latest incident.
According to a Metropolitan Police spokesperson, a "bottle with some sort of accelerant had been thrown through the window" at the Kenton synagogue, with smoke observed inside a room. The Community Security Trust confirmed minor smoke damage to an internal room but no injuries or significant structural damage. Rabbi Yehuda Black noted the item was thrown into the medical room.
The synagogue, situated near a school and children's playground, saw police searching a black SUV nearby on Sunday morning. Although the morning service was relocated, it remained well-attended, as reported by Saul Taylor, president of the charity behind the synagogue.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the "cowardly arson attack," warning that "a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum." His statement on X emphasized, "This sustained attack on our community's ability to worship and live in safety is an attack on the values that bind us all together."
