King Charles has been hailed as a 'genuine friend' of the Jewish community following his visit to Golders Green, where he met victims of the stabbings that occurred on April 29. The monarch attended a Jewish Care charity centre and spoke with Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, also known as Norman Shine. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley were also present.
Support and Gratitude
Chief Rabbi Mirvis expressed the community's gratitude, telling the King they 'appreciate it enormously' that he had made the visit. Charles also engaged with members of Shomrim, the Jewish community police force, who were involved in responding to the attacks.
Victim's Account
Mr Shine, who was stabbed in the neck outside a bus stop, shared his experience, speaking about the 'genuine warmth' he felt from the King. He said: 'He was very concerned. The most inspiring thing was that he didn't let go of my hand, I mean it was amazing, he is the King but I felt a genuine warmth and concern.' He added that the visit felt 'extremely important' for the whole Jewish community and that 'we feel we have a genuine friend in the King.'
Public Engagement
After meeting the victims, the King greeted crowds gathered outside the charity centre on Golders Green Road. He waved and was greeted with chants of 'long live the King'. Charles shook hands with a man who turned 100 on Thursday, saying, 'I hope they give you a good celebration, and I hope you get a card from me.' He was also presented with a loaf of traditional Challah bread outside Grodz bakery and spoke to children from a local primary school.
Alleged Attacker
The alleged attacker, Essa Suleiman, 45, has been remanded in custody accused of three counts of attempted murder. Suleiman is accused of trying to kill his friend of 20 years, Ishmail Hussein, at his home in Southwark before stabbing the two Jewish victims on April 29. Born in Somalia, he came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s and was reported to Prevent, the Government's anti-extremism programme, in 2020, but the case was closed the same year.
