A Wave of Attacks on London's Jewish Community

A series of incidents targeting the Jewish community in London, including multiple arson attacks and a stabbing, has occurred over recent weeks. The UK government has raised the national terrorism threat level in response. Police investigations are focused on a group claiming responsibility for many of the attacks, with authorities examining potential links to Iran.

Timeline of Incidents

Golders Green Ambulance Arson (March 23-24, 2026)

Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer Jewish emergency medical service, were set on fire in the Golders Green neighborhood. The London Fire Brigade responded to the incident at approximately 1:45 AM on March 24. Oxygen cylinders on the vehicles exploded, causing damage to windows in a nearby apartment block. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

Police stated they believe three suspects were involved. On March 25, two men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They were later released on bail. On March 28, three individuals—Hamza Iqbal (20), Rehan Khan (19), and a 17-year-old—were charged with arson and recklessness regarding the endangerment of life. All three were remanded into custody.

A prosecutor stated there was "significant evidence" indicating a "premeditated and targeted attack against the Jewish community."

Series of Arson Attacks on Synagogues and Jewish Sites (Late March - April)

A series of arson and attempted arson attacks targeted Jewish communal buildings across north London.

• Finchley Reform Synagogue (Late March): An attempted arson attack occurred. Two people were arrested.
• Hendon (Late March): A building that formerly housed a Jewish charity was targeted.
• Kenton United Synagogue, Harrow (Overnight April 25-26): A bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window, causing minor smoke damage to a room. No injuries were reported. A 19-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested in connection with this incident. A 17-year-old from northwest London pleaded guilty to arson at the synagogue, claiming he did not know it was a synagogue.
• Former Synagogue, East London (Early May): Firefighters responded to a blaze at a former synagogue. The fire caused minor damage. The incident is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing.

Attack on an Iranian Dissident Memorial (Date Unspecified)

An arson attack occurred at the Eternal Wall, a memorial for Iranian protesters, in Golders Green. A 46-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Golders Green Stabbing (April 29, 2026)

Two Jewish men, Shloime Rand (34) and Moshe Shine (76), were stabbed in Golders Green. The incident was declared a terrorist attack by the Metropolitan Police. The suspect, Essa Suleiman (45), was arrested at the scene after being Tasered by police. Police stated Suleiman has a history of serious violence and mental health issues.

Suleiman, a British citizen born in Somalia, was charged with two counts of attempted murder. A third count of attempted murder was filed for an earlier incident in south London on the same day. According to prosecutors, Suleiman first attacked an acquaintance in south London before traveling to north London, where he stabbed Rand in the chest and Shine in the neck.

Rand has been discharged from hospital; Shine remains in stable condition.

Police reported that Suleiman was referred to the government's Prevent counter-extremism program in 2020, but the case was closed later that year.

Investigation and Claimed Responsibility

The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command is leading investigations into the incidents.

A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), also referred to as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, has claimed responsibility for many of the attacks online, including the ambulance arson, the stabbing, and attacks on synagogues and other sites in London, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Police are investigating claims that the group has links to Iran. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated police are exploring this line of inquiry, including whether the tactic of using criminal proxies is being employed. The UK has previously accused Iran of using criminal proxies to conduct attacks on European soil.

The US Department of Justice announced the arrest of an Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Sawood Al-Saadi, who faces charges for allegedly planning, coordinating, and claiming responsibility for 18 HAYI attacks in Europe and the UK. The DOJ alleges HAYI is a front for an Iran-backed paramilitary group.

The Iranian embassy in London has denied any link to or involvement in the attacks.

British police have made at least 30 arrests in connection with the attacks on Jewish, Israeli, and Iranian dissident sites since March, with nine individuals charged and one convicted.

Government Response

Following the stabbing attack on April 29, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the UK's national terrorism threat level from 'substantial' to 'severe'. A 'severe' rating indicates a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.

The Home Secretary stated the increase was not solely due to the stabbing but reflected "a growing threat from Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism from individuals and small groups."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an additional £25 million for police patrols and security to protect Jewish communities, including synagogues, schools, and community centers. He stated the government will introduce new legislation to address "malign threats" and prosecute individuals acting for state-sponsored organizations.

Starmer criticized the phrase "globalise the Intifada", stating it should be subject to prosecution. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said people using the phrase are "likely to be arrested."

Broader Context

The Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2025, which it reports as the second-highest annual total ever recorded. The organization has reported a significant increase in incidents since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

The UK's MI5 domestic intelligence service reported that more than 20 "potentially lethal" Iran-backed plots were disrupted in the year to October 2025.