UK Jewish Community Feels Under Siege Amid Rising Attacks

Jewish Community in UK Faces ‘Under Siege’ Feeling After Attacks

A recent attempted arson attack on a former Jewish charity building in Hendon, North London, has intensified fears within the UK’s Jewish community, adding to a growing sense of being under siege. This incident follows closely on the heels of other troubling events, including the torching of four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green last month.

The latest incident, which occurred on the former site of Jewish Futures, has prompted a counterterror police investigation. Local residents, particularly those in northwest London, are understandably feeling scared. Authorities are urging calm as they work to understand the motives and perpetrators behind the attack.

Local MP Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Threats

David Pinto-Jachinsky, the Labour MP for Hendon, voiced his deep concern over the escalating threats. He highlighted that his constituency proudly hosts a large Jewish community, and the recent attacks, including those on Hatzola in Golders Green and the Finchley Reform Synagogue, are creating significant anxiety. The timing of the news, just as the community emerges from Shabbat, amplifies the distress.

“This will undoubtedly add to the concerns our community has. Henden, we are proudly the home of a large Jewish community. We’ve seen the attacks on Hatzola in Golders Green, which is just a mile down the road.

The attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue is again just a few miles away. And so this adds to the concerns the community has.”

The MP stressed his commitment to addressing these issues but acknowledged the widespread fear that these events are generating. He is working diligently to provide reassurance and support to his constituents during this unsettling period.

Former Extremism Adviser Calls for Stronger Political Leadership

Lord Walney, formerly the government’s extremism adviser, described the situation as “enormously concerning” and part of a disturbing pattern of escalating incidents. While he noted that police have not yet officially labeled the Hendon incident as terrorism, he pointed out a clear trend of intimidation, rising prejudice, and direct physical threats against Jewish individuals and institutions.

Lord Walney stated that many in the Jewish community feel there is a lack of sufficient political leadership to counter these threats effectively. He expressed disappointment that promises from ministers to combat antisemitism are not always translating into decisive action when challenges arise.

Call to Designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

A key proposal from Lord Walney to combat these threats is the full proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), described as the militant terrorist wing of the Iranian government. He suggested that while the direct link to the Hendon incident is not yet confirmed, much of this harmful activity is coordinated by or connected to the IRGC.

He criticized successive UK governments for hesitating on this issue, despite public commitments to proscribe the IRGC. This hesitation, he argued, prevents the implementation of enhanced surveillance and protection measures that could benefit vulnerable individuals and groups.

Hesitation on IRGC Proscription Questioned

Lord Walney pushed back against the idea that the IRGC’s status as a state entity prevents its proscription. He cited allies in Europe and the West who have already taken this step. He believes that if the UK government considers this a red line, they could fast-track the necessary legislation, as they have promised to do in the past.

The delay in proscribing the IRGC is seen by some as an overly legalistic approach that fails to recognize the clear and present danger. Lord Walney suggested that this inaction leaves the UK behind its international partners in addressing a significant source of state-sponsored extremism.

Immediate Steps and Future Concerns

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the recent security alert in Kensington, which involved suspect packages targeting the Israeli embassy. This incident, occurring just a day before the Hendon attack, highlights the ongoing nature of these threats and the need for swift action.

Lord Walney emphasized that proscribing the IRGC would allow for an additional layer of surveillance and protection for those potentially targeted by its activities. He urged a more decisive stance from the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting the Jewish community.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

The events in North London and elsewhere serve as a clear reminder of the challenges facing the UK’s Jewish community. The call for decisive political action, particularly regarding the proscription of the IRGC, is likely to intensify. The government’s response in the coming weeks will be closely watched by the community and its allies, as they seek reassurance and tangible measures to ensure safety and security.

Source: Jewish Community In The UK Appear ’Under Siege’ | Lord Walney (YouTube)