The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom has expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks on the Jewish community, following a recent arson incident at a synagogue in London.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned the recent arson attack at Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow as “cowardly.” Although no injuries were reported, a room inside the synagogue suffered minor smoke damage during the incident.
This latest attack is part of a series of arson and attempted arson attacks on Jewish establishments and properties within the past month, prompting an investigation by counter-terror police.
In a social media statement, Sir Ephraim highlighted the pattern of attacks, stating, “Last night, another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was subjected to a cowardly arson attack. This follows the recent attack in Finchley and the attempted attack on a Jewish Futures building in Hendon, bringing the total to three Jewish sites attacked in London within a week.”
Authorities are now investigating this recent incident along with previous attacks targeting a Persian language media organization and Jewish community-operated ambulances in North London. Sir Ephraim reiterated concerns, stating, “A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community in the UK is escalating.”
Expressing solidarity, Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attack on the Jewish community as “abhorrent” and emphasized a zero-tolerance stance towards such acts.
The Metropolitan Police reported that the incident occurred around midnight on Sunday, resulting in damage to a window of the Kenton United Synagogue. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the attack.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Vicki Evans of the Metropolitan Police announced ongoing investigations into the attacks on Jewish and Israeli establishments. She mentioned that the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya had claimed responsibility for some of the attacks but further inquiries into the group were underway.
DAC Evans clarified that a group named Ashab al-Yamin, the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, had claimed responsibility for several attacks, including those on Jewish and Israeli premises across Europe. She issued a strong warning against any activities aimed at intimidating or harming communities, stressing that such actions would not succeed in fostering division and hatred.
As investigations continue, a significant police presence remains at the scene to conduct forensic examinations and gather evidence.
At Reach
