Former soldiers are being recruited to protect synagogues and Jewish schools following a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks across the UK in recent weeks. The Community Security Trust (CST), which safeguards Jewish communities and distributes Home Office funding, has deployed contractors with armed forces experience to at-risk sites, according to reports.
The move comes after a series of incidents, including the arson attack on four Hatzola volunteer ambulances in Golders Green in March and the stabbing of two people in the same north London district last week. Police declared the stabbings of Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, as terrorist incidents, with 45-year-old Essa Suleiman charged with three counts of attempted murder.
Royal Navy and British Army veterans were previously used to marshal Jewish schools and places of worship last October after two worshippers were killed in the Heaton Park synagogue attack in Manchester. Tensions are reported to have risen again alongside the Iran conflict, with patrols now established in both North London and Manchester. Tehran has claimed responsibility for some incidents, though investigations remain ongoing.
The UK's terror threat level has been raised to severe, meaning an attack is considered "highly likely". Downing Street has said the decision was not solely due to the Golders Green stabbing but reflects a broader trend in recent months.
The stabbing also sparked controversy over the police response, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski apologising for retweeting a post that accused officers of using excessive force during Suleiman's arrest. His action drew strong criticism from Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who branded him "disgraceful".
Defending himself on Sky News, Polanski said it was possible to recognise the bravery of officers while also questioning their actions in an appropriate forum. He accepted that his retweet was not the right platform and said he would discuss the matter with the commissioner.
