UK to tackle antisemitism ‘emergency’ as police probe double stabbing

The British government on Thursday called antisemitism in the UK an “emergency”, and said it would spend millions increasing security around Jewish sites after a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing.

The government announced £25 million (US$34 million) for more police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres after two Jewish men were stabbed and seriously injured in London’s Golders Green neighbourhood on Wednesday. The victims, aged 34 and 76, are in stable condition.

Police arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and labelled the attack an act of terrorism. Detectives are working to determine a motive, and whether there could be a link to Iranian proxies.

Counterterrorism police are investigating whether the stabbings are linked to recent arson attacks on synagogues and other Jewish sites in the British capital.

Police said the suspect, whose name has not been released, had “a history of serious violence and mental health issues”. Police searched a property in southeast London after reports the suspect was involved in an “altercation” in the area hours before the Golders Green attack.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was treating antisemitism as “an emergency”, calling it “the top pressing issue in relation to security” she faced.