Arson attempts 'gathering momentum' Chief Rabbi says

The Chief Rabbi has warned that attacks targeting the Jewish community appear to be escalating, following a recent attempted arson at a synagogue in north-west London. The Community Security Trust (CST), which offers security support to Jewish individuals, confirmed that the Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow was the latest site to be attacked overnight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and only minor smoke damage occurred inside the building.

Describing this incident as “cowardly,” Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis took to social media to express his concern. He highlighted that this attack came shortly after a similar incident in Finchley earlier in the week and an attempted attack on the Jewish Futures building in Hendon on Friday, marking three separate attacks on Jewish sites in London within just a few days. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism officers are investigating other arson attempts, including ones targeting a Persian language media outlet and ambulances associated with a Jewish charity in Golders Green.

Sir Ephraim emphasized the growing threat facing the community, stating that a persistent campaign of violence and intimidation is gaining traction across the UK’s Jewish population. He expressed alarm that these attacks not only threaten the community’s safety and freedom to worship but also challenge fundamental societal values. The Chief Rabbi concluded by stressing the urgent need to recognize the severity of the situation before any loss of life occurs, underscoring the danger it poses to society as a whole.

At the scene of the latest attack, Kenton United Synagogue, which is located near a school and playground, police conducted searches including a black SUV parked nearby. Authorities established a sizeable cordon, and forensics teams, accompanied by fire investigation dogs and plainclothes officers, worked throughout Sunday morning. Several police vehicles, both marked and unmarked, were present outside the synagogue. The CST spokesperson expressed gratitude toward the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade for their swift response and ongoing efforts to safeguard the community during what they termed an “unprecedented period.” In addition, the Campaign Against Antisemitism described the current wave of arson attempts as a distressing trend of daily attacks on the Jewish community. To address these threats, the Met Police have increased patrols in north-west London, deploying additional officers, armed units, and counter-terrorism resources to deter further violence and protect local residents

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