A victim of a suspected terror attack in Golders Green has accused the government of failing to protect the Jewish community, describing the moment he was stabbed in the chest. Shilome Rand, 34, was attacked along with Moshe Ben Baila, 76, also known as Moshe Shine, in what appears to be an antisemitic incident on Wednesday. The attack occurred near where four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire in late March, prompting a large police response and the arrest of a 45-year-old Somali-born British national.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “deeply concerning” and reaffirmed his government’s determination to tackle such incidents. However, criticism has emerged from various quarters, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who posted on social media that “words are not enough to confront this scourge.” Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called for “meaningful action” to address the root causes of antisemitism.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Rand expressed his frustration with the government. “People are really concerned, people are afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the street, people are blaming obviously the government for not doing anything about what’s going on,” he told ITV News. He added that the Jewish community has suffered from such attacks for months, and now attempts are being made on people’s lives. “The government, they are the ones that are able to take care of the problems. And they are not doing their job,” he said.
Details of the Attack
Mr Rand described how he was studying at a local synagogue when a man began running toward him. “I didn’t suspect anything and he just stabbed me in the chest. I was taken to the hospital,” he recounted. He noted the attacker looked angry, with facial expressions suggesting he was “out to get me.” Both Mr Rand and Mr Shine, who was attacked at a bus stop, are in hospital in stable condition.
In response to the attack, the government announced additional funding for security at Jewish sites and vowed to tackle antisemitism and “malign state actors” linked to recent violence. Sir Keir is expected to meet criminal justice agencies on Thursday and plans to visit Golders Green “as soon as possible.”
Police Investigation and Community Safety
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attack and searching an address in south-east London after reports that the suspect had been involved in a prior “altercation.” A joint statement from Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams and Barnet Council Chief Executive Cath Shaw confirmed a “significant number of officers” will remain in the area to support the investigation. Temporary stop-and-search powers have been granted under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, allowing police to search individuals without specific suspicion where there is a risk of serious violence. “This is a preventative measure designed to deter further criminality,” the statement said. An increased police presence will be visible around schools, transport hubs, high footfall areas, and faith venues.
