The Chief Rabbi said on Apr. 19 that attacks against the Jewish community are “gathering momentum” following another arson incident at a north-west London synagogue.
This statement comes after Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow was targeted overnight, marking the latest in a series of recent arson attacks on Jewish properties. Counter-terrorism police are investigating possible links between these incidents and a group with alleged ties to Iran, warning that those responsible could face serious prosecution under national security laws.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described the attack as “cowardly.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also commented, saying he was appalled by the incident and promised an increase in visible policing. At a press briefing outside Kenton United Synagogue, deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans said that similar incidents had been claimed online by Ashab al‑Yamin, which has also claimed responsibility for attacks on Jewish targets across Europe. “We are aware of public reporting that suggests this group may have links to Iran – as you would expect we will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” she said.
Evans explained further: “I’ve spoken previously about the Iranian regime’s use of criminal proxies, and we’re considering whether this tactic is being used here in London. This is recruiting violence as a service, and the people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause and are taking quick cash for their crimes.” She added that anyone identified could be prosecuted under the National Security Act, which carries “significant sentences and lifetime restrictions.”
Police confirmed they are investigating several other recent incidents including an attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue, damage at a building used by a Jewish charity in Hendon, ambulances set alight in Golders Green last month, and an arson attack at a Persian language media organisation. At Kenton synagogue specifically, officers noticed window damage during patrols; upon inspection they found smoke inside from what appeared to be an accelerant thrown through the window. The London Fire Brigade responded quickly and confirmed there was no further fire risk.
Rabbi Yehuda Black of Kenton United Synagogue said: “I was very upset to hear about what happened. Our synagogue is a beautiful synagogue… It’s so unfortunate that it has been damaged in such a way.” The building remains closed but hopes to reopen soon.
Sir Ephraim wrote on social media: “Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack… A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum… This sustained attack on our community’s ability to worship and live in safety is an attack on the values that bind us all together… Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society.”
Prime Minister Starmer posted: “This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain… We are increasing visible policing and those responsible will be found and brought to justice. We will not rest in pursuit of perpetrators.” The Community Security Trust thanked emergency services for their response while supporting affected locations alongside police investigations.
United Synagogue called targeting places of worship “a deeply disturbing act,” with president Saul Taylor urging government recognition of what he called an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate.
