The head of the Metropolitan Police has warned that British Jews are facing their greatest ever threat, following a stabbing in Golders Green that left two men injured. Sir Mark Rowley said Jews were confronting a 'ghastly Venn diagram' of hate emanating from multiple extremist groups, including the far-right, far-left, Islamist terrorists, and even hostile states like Iran.
Social Media Fuels Antisemitism
In an interview with the Times, Sir Mark highlighted how the 'social media-led' news ecosystem has mainstreamed antisemitic views, with more people consuming content from non-traditional sources. He stressed that every extremist group creates an 'other' to blame, and Jews are consistently targeted across the spectrum.
Urgent Funding Request for 300 Officers
The Met Commissioner revealed he has requested emergency funding to recruit 300 officers dedicated to protecting the Jewish community, including a specialised unit to patrol north west London. He also defended the two officers who detained the suspect in the Golders Green attack, dismissing criticism from Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who accused them of acting violently.
Sir Mark explained that the officers faced a suspect who was still armed with a knife and possibly an explosive device, making their actions reasonable. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the officers, calling Polanski's comments 'disgraceful' and saying he is 'not fit to lead any political party'.
Political Fallout and Apology
Polanski later apologised for sharing a tweet criticising the police, but hit back at the Prime Minister, accusing him of using his office to attack the only Jewish party leader for political gain. The Met confirmed Polanski is expected to meet Sir Mark after the local elections on May 7.
Threat Level Raised to 'Severe'
The UK terrorism threat level has been raised to 'severe' by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, indicating a terror attack is 'highly likely'. Director of Public Prosecutions also warned of a 'deeply troubling rise' in antisemitic incidents, vowing to use the 'full force of the law' against perpetrators.
Suspect Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared in court on Friday charged with three counts of attempted murder, including of his own friend, before allegedly stabbing two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76. Suleiman, born in Somalia and arriving in the UK legally as a child in the 1990s, was remanded in custody until a hearing at the Old Bailey on May 15.
