Israel has demanded 'urgent' action from the UK government following an apparent antisemitic attack in Golders Green, London, where two Jewish men were stabbed on Wednesday. The incident adds to a series of recent attacks targeting Jewish sites in the area, prompting strong reactions from Israeli officials and Jewish leaders.
Attack Details and Immediate Reactions
The stabbing occurred near a memorial wall that had been targeted in an attempted arson on Monday. In late March, four Jewish community ambulances were destroyed by fire at the same location. Police are investigating the motive, with antisemitism being treated as a primary line of inquiry.
Israel's foreign ministry issued a sharp rebuke, stating that the UK 'can no longer claim this is under control' and calling for 'decisive and urgent' measures. The ministry criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's response, saying it fell short of what is needed to address the growing threat.
Government and Community Responses
Prime Minister Starmer described the attack as 'deeply concerning' and reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling antisemitism. Downing Street acknowledged a rise in antisemitic hatred and promised increased police patrols in the area. However, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis declared that 'words of condemnation are no longer sufficient' and demanded 'meaningful action' from all institutions and leaders.
The Jewish Leadership Council expressed alarm, asking: 'Are people safe to go out?' The organisation called for urgent security measures and a zero-tolerance policy towards hate crimes. Community leaders have urged the government to implement stronger protections for Jewish sites and to prosecute offenders swiftly.
Broader Context of Rising Antisemitism
This attack is part of a worrying trend of antisemitic incidents across the UK. Recent months have seen a surge in hate crimes targeting Jewish communities, with synagogues, schools, and cultural sites being vandalised or attacked. Campaign groups have warned that the situation is deteriorating and that stronger action is needed from both the government and law enforcement.
Israel's intervention underscores the international concern over the UK's handling of antisemitism. The foreign ministry emphasised that the UK must take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens and to prevent further attacks.
