Antisemitism has been declared a 'national security emergency' following a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London, that left two people injured. The incident is the latest in a series of assaults targeting the UK's Jewish community.
Government Response and Funding
In response to growing concerns, the government has announced an additional £25 million investment to enhance security for Jewish communities. The funding will be used to increase police patrols and improve protections around synagogues, schools, and community centres. This move comes after accusations that the government has not done enough to combat antisemitism.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that she is treating the attacks 'as an emergency' and indicated she would consider banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military group, as part of new legislation. Ministers confirmed that laws creating proscription-like powers to pursue individuals and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups will be 'fast-tracked' in the coming weeks.
Expert Commentary
Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror and state threats for the government, described the situation as 'the biggest national security emergency' since 2017. He told the BBC: 'There are Brits in London in particular, Manchester, but probably all around the country, who are now thinking they cannot live a normal life. And it's not one attack, it's multiple attacks.'
Previous Attacks
In October, an attacker drove his car into pedestrians and worshippers at Heaten Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Jihad Al-Shamie. A spate of attacks across London over recent months has raised suspicions of state-sponsored involvement.
Victim's Account
Mr Rand, the younger victim of Wednesday's attack, told ITV: 'People are really afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the streets. People are blaming obviously the Government. You know they aren't doing anything about what's going on for the past few months.'
