The head of the Metropolitan Police has disclosed that counter-terrorism officers have launched 11 investigations and arrested 35 people following what he described as a sustained period of attack upon the Jewish community in London. In a stark letter to MPs, Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that British Jews are not currently safe in their capital city, calling the situation unacceptable.
Details of the Investigations
The investigations, which have resulted in 10 charges and one conviction, include the stabbing of two British Jews in Golders Green on 29 April, an arson attack on a Hatzola ambulance on 23 March, nine other arson or attempted arson attacks, and a further investigation into discarded items found in Kensington Gardens. Rowley's letter to the Commons home affairs select committee highlighted the severity of the threat, noting that Jewish Londoners have been under sustained attack over the past six weeks.
King Charles Visits Golders Green
On Thursday, King Charles visited Golders Green in north-west London to show support for the Jewish community. He met victims of the stabbings, including Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Ben Baila, 76, also known as Norman Shine, at the Jewish Care charity centre. The King was accompanied by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Commissioner Rowley. The Chief Rabbi expressed deep appreciation for the King's visit.
Shine, who was stabbed in the neck outside a bus stop, described the King's genuine warmth and concern, noting that he did not let go of his hand. He said the visit felt extremely important for the entire Jewish community, adding that they feel they have a genuine friend in the King.
Community Engagement
After the meeting, the King greeted crowds outside the charity centre on Golders Green Road and was presented with a loaf of traditional challah bread outside Grodz bakery. He also spoke with children from a local primary school and members of the Shomrim, the Jewish community police force who responded to the attacks.
Details of the Alleged Attacker
The alleged Golders Green attacker, Essa Suleiman, 45, has been remanded in custody on three counts of attempted murder. He is accused of trying to kill his friend of 20 years, Ishmail Hussein, at his home in Southwark before stabbing two people in the street on 29 April. Suleiman was born in Somalia and came to the UK legally as a child in the 1990s. He was reported to Prevent, the UK government's anti-extremism programme, in 2020, but the case was closed that same year.
The Met Police's counter-terrorism efforts continue as the community seeks reassurance and safety in the wake of these attacks.
