Kenton Synagogue Targeted in Suspected Arson Attack
Brent Council has issued a strong condemnation following a deeply concerning suspected arson attack on Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, North West London. The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday, April 19, when a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window of the synagogue on Shaftesbury Avenue.
The attack caused minor smoke damage to the building, but fortunately no injuries were reported, and the fire did not fully ignite. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were detained overnight in connection with the incident.
Community Leaders Affirm Resilience
In response to the attack, Jewish community leaders have emphasized their determination to remain strong. During a morning prayer service held at an alternative location, Kenton Synagogue's Rabbi, Yehuda Black, stated: "Our Shul was firebombed last night and what a terrible attack it was on our synagogue. We must not be deterred by what is taking place out there. It must not in any way affect who we are as Jews."
Saul Taylor, President of United Synagogue, expressed being deeply saddened by the targeting of a place of worship, describing it as "deeply disturbing." He added: "We will not be intimidated and we will remain strong and united in the face of hatred."
Police Investigation and Council Response
The incident was discovered by police officers on patrol who noticed damage to a synagogue window. Upon further inspection, they observed smoke inside a room and evidence of the thrown bottle. The London Fire Brigade conducted a search to confirm no further fire risk existed.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by local officers, and is treated as arson. This attack represents the latest in a series of incidents targeting Jewish-connected locations in London in recent weeks, with the Metropolitan Police confirming 15 total arrests related to these attacks.
Brent Council Chief Executive Kim Wright issued a statement affirming: "There is absolutely no place in Brent – or anywhere – for hate, antisemitism, or violence of any kind. We stand in full solidarity with our Jewish communities and all those affected. Brent is proud to be a diverse and united borough, and we will not tolerate hate from those who seek to divide us."
Council Leader Cllr Muhammed Butt echoed this sentiment on social media, pledging to work with partners "to ensure those responsible are caught and brought to justice."
Pattern of Attacks and Group Claims
Recent weeks have seen multiple attacks on Jewish-linked targets across North West London:
- An arson attack on four ambulances belonging to Jewish charity Haztola on March 23
- A brick and two bottles containing petrol thrown at Finchley Reform Synagogue on April 15
- An ignited container thrown at the offices of Persian news organisation Volant Media on April 15
- Two incidents on April 17 involving discarded items near the Israeli embassy and a lit bag in Hendon
Most attacks appear to have been claimed by the group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right), which has posted social media videos linking itself to incidents in North London and similar attacks against Jewish targets across Europe. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the authenticity of these claims.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans noted: "Counter Terrorism Policing are leading the investigations into all these incidents. The nature of the incidents has been similar – arson attacks targeting Israeli and Jewish linked premises in London."
Calls for Action and Political Response
Saul Taylor has called for more to be done to prevent such attacks, urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to publicly declare "an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate." The Prime Minister responded on social media, stating: "I am appalled by recent attempted antisemitic arson attacks in North London."
The Metropolitan Police has deployed additional resources to the area while investigations continue, as the Jewish community and local authorities demonstrate united resilience against hate crimes.
