Arabic version: زيادة محاولات الحرق العمد تستهدف المجتمع اليهودي في لندن

The Chief Rabbi has expressed alarm over a rise in arson attempts targeting the Jewish community, following a recent incident at the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow. According to BBC News, the synagogue was attacked overnight, resulting in minor smoke damage but thankfully no injuries.

This incident is part of a troubling trend, with multiple arson and attempted arson attacks reported in the past month. Notably, counter-terrorism police are investigating an attack on a former charity building in Hendon as an antisemitic hate crime. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the latest attack as “cowardly” and highlighted the broader implications for the safety and freedom of worship for the Jewish community.

In the past week alone, three Jewish sites in London have been attacked, including a previous incident in Finchley and another at the Jewish Futures building in Hendon. The Chief Rabbi noted that this pattern of violence represents a sustained campaign of intimidation against Jews in the UK.

The Metropolitan Police have responded by increasing patrols in north-west London, deploying more officers, and utilizing stop and search powers to deter further incidents. The Community Security Trust (CST) has praised the swift response of law enforcement and is working closely with them to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.

A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism remarked on the alarming frequency of these attacks, describing the situation as a terrifying spate of daily incidents affecting the Jewish community. The authorities continue to investigate these attacks while reinforcing security measures in the area.