Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that attacks on British Jews represent "a crisis for all of us" as he opened a series of talks at Downing Street aimed at driving a "whole of society" response to antisemitism.
Starmer's Call for Collective Responsibility
Speaking after the stabbings in London's Golders Green, Starmer warned that everyone bears a responsibility to stand with Jewish communities. He is convening senior figures from across public life, including business, civil society, health, culture, higher education, and policing, urging them to move "at pace" to tackle antisemitism in their sectors.
"Last week's terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling," Starmer is expected to say. "But it was not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them."
He added: "These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that are not guaranteed, but are earned. Every single day, through our actions."
Security Implications and Government Response
The prime minister will also focus on the domestic security implications of the Iran war, including a heightened threat to Jewish communities, during a ministerial meeting of the Middle East Response Committee – the crisis team set up to respond to conflict.
Two Jewish men, Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76, were stabbed during a knife rampage through Golders Green last week. The alleged attacker, Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday and was remanded in custody. The attack has been declared a terror incident by police.
Starmer stressed that it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities: "We must show it. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us."
