Counter-terror police are investigating an arson attack on a former synagogue in East London, the latest in a series of incidents targeting Jewish sites across the capital. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that minor damage was caused to the former East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street in Tower Hamlets during the early hours of Tuesday, May 5.
Details of the Incident
Officers were called at 5:16 a.m. by the London Fire Brigade following reports of a fire at the former synagogue. The blaze caused minor damage to a set of gates and the building's front locks, but no injuries were reported. Initial CCTV inquiries indicate the fire was started intentionally at approximately 5:10 a.m., and the incident is being treated as arson. Due to the location's status as a former synagogue, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken over the investigation. No arrests have been made so far.
Rising Antisemitism
This attack comes amid a surge in antisemitic incidents across the UK. Last week, three men were stabbed in Golders Green, an attack that prompted Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror and state threats for the UK government, to declare antisemitism a national security emergency. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. The victims included one Muslim man and two Jewish men.
In October, a driver deliberately crashed into pedestrians and worshippers outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. In March, an antisemitic firebomb attack targeted four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest outside a Golders Green synagogue. Additionally, Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a gunshot wound, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Jihad Al-Shamie in separate incidents.
Government Response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has described the attacks as an emergency, and state-sponsored groups are suspected of being involved in the recent spate of violence. The Metropolitan Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
This latest incident underscores the growing threat to Jewish communities in London and across the UK, with authorities intensifying efforts to combat antisemitism and protect vulnerable sites.
