Ephraim Mirvis is in the news for condemning recent antisemitic attacks in the UK. He's the Chief Rabbi of the UK, born in South Africa, and a former Irish Chief Rabbi.
The Met has expanded a dedicated protection unit for London's Jewish communities as police investigate a pattern of antisemitic hate crimes and arson attacks targeting synagogues, ambulances, and other Jewish sites amid rising tensions connected to the Gaza war and wider Iran-linked activity.
Last year, the UK saw 3,700 antisemitic incidents, a 4% rise from 2024 and the second-highest annual total. Scotland experienced a 36% increase, with a record number of incidents including the first report of 'extreme violence.' The rise follows the October 2023 Hamas attack and ongoing Middle East tensions.
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.