Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday morning in an incident that has been formally declared a terrorist attack. The victims, aged 76 and 34, are currently in a stable condition in hospital, according to police.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred around 10:30 AM on a busy street in Golders Green, an area with a significant Jewish population. The 45-year-old suspect, who has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, approached the victims and stabbed them with a knife. Police officers arrived at the scene within minutes and Tasered the suspect, believing he was carrying an explosive device. He was subsequently arrested and is now in custody.
Investigation and Response
Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation and are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. They are exploring whether the Jewish community was deliberately targeted. Senior officials, including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have condemned the attack. Mahmood described it as an 'appalling act of violence' and vowed to support the victims and their families.
Jewish leaders have called for meaningful action against antisemitic violence. Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: 'This is a stark reminder of the rising threat of antisemitism in our country. We need urgent measures to protect our communities.'
Context of Recent Attacks
The stabbing follows a series of alleged arson attacks on Jewish sites across London in recent weeks. However, police are treating a group's claim of responsibility for this knife attack with scepticism, citing differing methods compared to previous incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community leaders have expressed shock and anger. Rabbi Shimon Cohen, a local religious leader, said: 'This is a wake-up call. We cannot allow hate to flourish in our streets.' The incident has reignited debates about community safety and the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies.
