British Orthodox rabbi; Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
On March 23, four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer service Hatzola in Golders Green, London, were set on fire in an antisemitic arson attack. Police seek three suspects. Separately, a fire at a Czech arms manufacturer’s warehouse in Pardubice, linked to drone tech used by Ukraine, is under terrorism investigation with three suspects detained in Czechia and Slovakia.
Since early April 2026, multiple attempted arson attacks have targeted synagogues and Jewish community sites in north London, including Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon, and Kenton. Police have arrested two suspects linked to an attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue. A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility for several incidents. Authorities have increased security and counter-terrorism efforts.
Multiple arson and attack incidents targeting Jewish sites in northwest London have occurred over the past week. UK counter-terrorism police are investigating, with claims of responsibility from a pro-Iranian group linked to Iran. Authorities warn of increasing violence amid ongoing Middle East conflict.
Police in the UK have arrested two teenagers following a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites, including a synagogue in Harrow. The incidents are linked to a newly formed Iran-backed group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, which claims responsibility for multiple attacks across Europe. Authorities suspect Iran is hiring local criminals to carry out these acts as part of a broader proxy war.
Authorities report a surge in antisemitic incidents in London, including stabbings, arson at Jewish sites and harassment videotaped for social media. Police have expanded protection with a new community protection team and heightened investigations into possible Iran-linked involvement.
A spate of antisemitic violence has intensified in London’s Golders Green and broader security concerns are rising after a planned U.S. plot against Jewish sites was disrupted and a string of stabbing incidents prompted high-level visits and a terrorism threat elevation.