London bishop ‘deeply saddened’ by attack on Jews in Golders Green

The Bishop of Edmonton has said he’s “deeply shocked and saddened” by an attack on two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London. 

The stabbing victims were named locally as Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. They are in a stable condition at hospital. 

The attack has been formally declared a terrorist incident and one man has been arrested. 

Bishop Anderson Jeremiah said it was “devastating” that such an attack had occurred inside his local people. 

“As a resident of Golders Green, I’m appalled by this ongoing cycle of violence fuelled by antisemitism. Just an hour ago, I used to be walking down the very street where the attack took place. 

“This was not only an attack on individuals, but on the security and spirit of our entire neighbourhood. In the face of such darkness, our community must stand firm. 

“We must respond with unwavering resilience and a commitment to the form of love and unity that overcomes bigotry.

“My prayers are with the victims and their families, and I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. We won’t be defined by those that seek to divide us, but by our collective strength and support for each other.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the “appalling antisemitic attack” and called a Cobra meeting.

The attack prompted outcry from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which said words were “not enough to confront this scourge” of attacks on Jews in London.

Israel’s foreign ministry posted an announcement to X calling on the UK to “act decisively and urgently”.

“After attacks on synagogues, Jewish institutions, community ambulances and now Jews targeted in Golders Green, the UK government can not claim that is under control,” it said. 

“Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statements are not any substitute for confronting the roots of antisemitism festering across United Kingdom.

“British Jews shouldn’t need security patrols and emergency volunteers to live openly as Jews.

“Enough words. The UK must act decisively and urgently.” 

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has called for “meaningful motion”. He said the attack demonstrated that Jews in Britain are “not secure” and that “way more must be done” to guard them.