Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the fight against anti-Semitism as a national emergency, following a suspected terrorist attack in Golders Green, north-west London, where two men were stabbed. Speaking after a meeting with criminal justice agencies and senior ministers in Downing Street, Starmer said it was 'absolutely clear' that the victims were targeted for being Jewish.
Starmer called for a 'swift, agile and visible' response from the government and criminal justice system, adding that 'an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us'. He acknowledged a 'very deep sense of anxiety' among British Jews, noting that the attack was not a one-off but part of a series of incidents in recent weeks.
The government has announced an additional £25 million to boost security for Jewish communities, including increased police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres. Legislation to create proscription-like powers against state-sponsored groups will also be fast-tracked, with draft laws expected in the King's Speech on 13 May.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the suspect is a 45-year-old British national born in Somalia, who came to the UK lawfully as a child. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the individual has a history of serious violence and mental health issues. The victims, Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, remain in hospital in a stable condition.
The attack has heightened fears among Jewish communities, with some questioning their safety in the UK. Sue Siegel of the Jewish Council of Scotland said Jewish people are experiencing feelings similar to those before the Holocaust, with some choosing not to wear religious symbols. The government faces pressure to ban pro-Palestinian marches and take further action to protect Jewish citizens.
