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🇮🇱 Israel /Crime & Justice

Former London synagogue attacked in suspected arson; police probe links to string of anti-Jewish incidents

From Jerusalem Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A former London synagogue was targeted in a suspected arson attack, causing minor damage to its gates.
  • Police are investigating potential links to a series of recent attacks against Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian dissident sites in the UK.
  • Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation, with an increased police presence in the affected area.

The Jerusalem Post reports on a disturbing arson attack targeting a former synagogue in London, an incident that underscores a worrying pattern of escalating hostility against the UK's Jewish community. This latest act of vandalism, occurring in the Golders Green area, follows a string of similar attacks, including attempted arsons and a stabbing incident, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of Jewish citizens and institutions.

The Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with Counter Terrorism Policing, are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness. The fact that the building was no longer operational as a synagogue offers little solace to a community that feels increasingly vulnerable. The investigation is meticulously examining security footage and exploring connections to previous attacks, including those on Hatzola ambulances, Finchley Reform Synagogue, and Iran International's offices.

We are taking this incident extremely seriously and we will be working closely with colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing to support the investigation. The building targeted has not been operational as a synagogue for some years, but that will be of little comfort to the Jewish community in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and beyond, who are first in my thoughts this morning.

— Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany ClarkDetective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clark of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the seriousness of the arson attack and the collaboration with Counter Terrorism Policing, acknowledging the impact on the Jewish community.

This spate of attacks, seemingly coordinated and targeting various elements of the Jewish and Israeli communities, as well as Iranian dissident sites, suggests a more organized and pervasive threat. The Jerusalem Post, as a publication deeply connected to the Jewish diaspora, highlights the fear and anxiety these events generate. The community's resilience is being tested, and the response from law enforcement and security agencies is crucial in reassuring them that such acts of hate will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The potential links to the new arson and previous incidents will be considered.

— Commander Helen FlanaganCommander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Police, stated that potential links between the current arson and previous attacks would be investigated.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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