LONDON (AP) – The British government on Thursday said the country was facing an antisemitism “emergency” and pledged funding to increase security for Jewish communities after a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing.
It announced 25 million pounds ($34 million) for more police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centers after an attack on two Jewish men on Wednesday.
The victims, aged 34 and 76, were stabbed and seriously injured in Golders Green, an area in north London that is an epicenter of Britain’s Jewish community. Both men are in a stable condition.
Police arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and labeled Wednesday’s attack an act of terrorism. Detectives are working to determine a motive, and whether there could be a link to Iranian proxies.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Thursday she was treating antisemitism as “an emergency,” describing it as “the top pressing issue in relation to security” she faced.
Britain’s Jewish community, which numbers about 300,000 people, has faced growing attacks online and in the streets.
The number of antisemitic incidents reported across the UK has soared since the attack by Hamas-led fighters on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, according to the Community Security Trust charity.
