The mother of Shloime Rand, the victim of a stabbing in Golders Green, has spoken out about the harrowing moment she received the phone call that no parent ever wants to get. Her son, described as a 'gentle soul', remains in hospital recovering from a chest wound.
Attack During Religious Studies
Mrs. Rand revealed that she was alerted by Jewish friends rather than the police. Her son was in the Golders Green area attending a religious studies class when he was attacked without provocation. 'He was stabbed in the chest and is still in hospital,' she said. 'He is talking and we are hoping he is going to be okay. He is a gentle soul, has time for everyone.'
The mother has been holding a bedside vigil for her son and is hopeful he will not require surgery. She expressed her fears for the Jewish community, stating, 'The Jewish community needs more protection for the danger we face.'
Community Fear and Government Response
Shloime Rand himself told ITV that people are 'really afraid' and 'uncomfortable walking in the streets.' He blamed the Government for not doing enough to address the situation over the past few months. In response, the Government has announced an additional £25 million investment to increase security for Jewish communities, including enhanced police patrols and protections around synagogues, schools, and community centres.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is treating the attacks 'as an emergency' and signalled she would consider banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military group, as part of new legislation. The new laws will also create proscription-like powers to pursue individuals and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups, with measures being 'fast-tracked' in the coming weeks.
