Latest news with #CommunitySecurityTrust
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
London synagogue ‘vandalised' amid Israel-Iran war
A London synagogue has been 'vandalised' amid the ongoing Israel-Iran war. The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into an attempted burglary while forensic inquiries continue. Images posted on social media by a community group show officers standing amid the debris at Gur Synagogue in Stamford Hill, north London. One image shows a wheelchair surrounded by plastic bags and a large kitchen knife on top of it, while others depict personal lockers pulled open with contents, including prayer shawls and papers, strewn on the floor. The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that monitors anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, said that it had been made aware. A spokesman said: 'At a time when community tensions are already high, this is an appalling act of vandalism which has caused significant damage to a synagogue in Stamford Hill. 'We are in touch with the location and are providing support. We urge anyone with information to contact CST and the police as a matter of urgency. An X account called In Stamford Hill posted the photos with the caption: 'A shocking incident occurred overnight where the Gur Synagogue on Lampard Grove was vandalised with the Torah scrolls desecrated.' The Torah, the compilation of the first five books of the Jewish bible, is the central document of Judaism and has been used throughout the ages. According to data from the CST, there were 3,528 instances of anti-Jewish hate recorded across the UK in 2024, marking the second-highest annual total ever reported to the organisation. The group said the figure reflects 'the sustained high levels of anti-Jewish hate that have been recorded across the country' since the October 7 attacks. Among the incidents are cases of damage and desecration to Jewish property, threats, abusive behaviour and violence, and mass-produced anti-Semitic literature. Last week, Israel launched a wave of strikes on Tehran, the capital city of Iran, killing top military officials, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran has since fired ballistic missiles in retaliation as both countries continue their attacks. Donald Trump, the US president, appeared to back down from joining Israel in its war with Iran, saying he will decide in the next two weeks if the US will intervene.
Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
British Jews warned of ‘revenge' attacks after missile strikes on Iran
British Jews have been warned to be vigilant and follow 'strict security measures' in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran 's nuclear nuclear facilities and military bases and the subsequent aerial response from the Islamic Republic. The crisis has left Jewish leaders in the UK concerned about potential attacks closer to home. Synagogues have been placed on alert, while Israeli embassies around the world were closed due to increased threats. Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, told The Telegraph: 'Israel's actions are extremely justified, especially when you have a country like Iran which repeatedly states the mantra 'death to Israel' and is developing nuclear weapons and trying to cover it up. 'We are aware that a number of colleagues in the UK and other countries have been targets of intended or potential attack by Iranian agents that were foiled by security services. We are very grateful to the police and security services for all they do to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.' Protesters waived Iranian flags in London on Saturday, with crowds chanting 'Stop bombing Gaza, stop bombing Iran'. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Israel, and said: 'The situation could escalate quickly and could pose significant risks, including missile fire.' The Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect UK Jews from terrorism and anti-Semitism, said that the 'deep threat from Iran is central to our planning and our operations', but also warned security measures have been at a high level for more than 18 months since the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. They added: 'CST strongly requests that our community be vigilant and follows the strict security measures that are in place at communal buildings, events and areas.' Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Council (NSC) warned Israelis abroad to 'avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public spaces'. They added that it was likely that 'terrorist elements will seek to carry out acts of revenge against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world, including civilians'. Israel's foreign ministry also recommended that all Israeli citizens who are overseas fill out a form detailing their whereabouts. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called on the UK Government to 'maintain its active support for Israel's defence against the murderous Iranian regime'. He added: 'We express our deep solidarity with the Israeli people at this time, and pray for their safety and security. 'We affirm Israel's right to defend itself against threats in the region. There can be no doubt about Iran's intentions to acquire nuclear weapons capability. 'This poses a grave and intolerable threat to Israel, but also to the security and stability of the region and the world.' The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) said its thoughts were with all those awaiting incoming fire from Iran. A spokesman added: 'We were grateful that successive UK governments provided life-saving support to help defend Israel from Iranian attacks, and we call on the UK to support its ally in the fight against a common threat.' They warned the Iranian regime poses a 'lethal threat, not only to Israelis and Jews worldwide but to British people here in the UK... such a regime must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons'. The warnings come as the CST recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, the second-highest annual total ever reported to it, after a peak the previous year. Rhetoric related to the ongoing Middle East conflict featured in 1,844 (52 per cent) of anti-Semitic incidents reported to the CST in 2024. In at least 355 of the incidents, the phrase 'Free Palestine' was said to have been used in an anti-Semitic way, by being targeted 'at Jewish people or institutions in a hostile manner simply because they were Jewish'.
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Investigation into racially aggravated attack on teenage boy
A teenage boy has been injured in an racially aggravated assault at a London Underground station, police have Transport Police (BTP) were called to Hampstead Tube station on Monday evening, following a report of an assault and victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries and was discharged later, BTP force has confirmed it is investigating the incident as racially motivated and has appealed for information. A Jewish security charity, Shomrim neighbourhood watch, posted on social media the day after the incident that "three Jewish boys were threatened with a knife by six or seven suspects".Community Security Trust (CST), a charity with the remit of "protecting British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism", said in a statement: "We are aware of the appalling racist assault on a group of Jewish boys that took place at Hampstead Station on 26 May."CST is in contact with one of the victims' families and is providing them with support. "CST is also in contact with the British Transport Police and Transport for London as the investigation continues."We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any relevant information to contact the police or CST as soon as possible."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police tell British Jews ‘be vigilant' after DC anti-Semitic attack
Scotland Yard has urged London's Jewish community to remain vigilant in the aftermath of the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. The Metropolitan Police warned Jewish Londoners of the 'ever-present need' to be on their guard following the attack, carried out near the US capital's Jewish museum by a man who shouted 'free Palestine'. A Met Police spokesman said: 'We understand why the awful attack on the Jewish community in Washington DC on Wednesday evening will undoubtedly have increased concerns among Jewish Londoners. 'It comes at a time when many are already increasingly worried about their safety. 'There is nothing to indicate that events in Washington have specifically increased the risk or threat here in London, but they are a reminder of the ever-present need to be vigilant. Our message to Jewish Londoners remains the same – please be alert, but do not be alarmed. 'If you see something that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and report it.' The spokesman added: 'Since Oct 7 2023 we have seen a concerning increase in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat from extremism or terrorism. 'Officers have been working closely with community members and key partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas with larger Jewish populations or in the vicinity of relevant venues. That work continues.' The Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect Jews from terrorism and anti-Semitism, has also urged British Jews to continue taking basic security measures to safeguard premises and individuals. In a statement the CST said: 'CST condemns the terrorist murder of two Israeli embassy staff outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. Our thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this awful time. 'This kind of terrorism is a global threat to all Jewish communities that has risen significantly since Oct 7, and it is the reason why there is so much security across the Jewish community in the UK. 'CST will continue working tirelessly with the police, government and other partners to enable a safe, proud Jewish way of life in this country.' The CST issues regular security advice to Jewish community, including to keep gates and doors closed or guarded; to be alert for suspicious people and activities, including parked cars and unattended items and to avoid congregating outside communal buildings and events. They also warned about 'tailgating' – when people follow close behind someone to gain access to a building when gates or doors are opened. Its security measures are understood to have increased significantly following Israel's response to the Oct 7 attacks and have remained at a very high level ever since. The Washington victims, a young couple planning their engagement, had left a reception for diplomats near the city's Jewish museum on Wednesday night when a stranger armed with a handgun approached them and opened fire. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, fled into the museum and was detained by security staff as witnesses rushed to help the victims. As he was detained by officers he was heard shouting 'free, free Palestine'. Israel named one of the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, 28, who worked in the embassy's political department. The second was named as Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American embassy employee. The latest UK warnings followed a paint attack on a mainly Jewish office block in north Manchester on May 15. Rico House, in Prestwich – which is owned by a Jewish company and leases offices to businesses that include a jeweller and a property management firm – was targeted by the protest group Palestine Action. Red paint was thrown across the building's front, windows, and entrance and 'Happy Nakba Day' – signifying the displacement of Palestinians when the state of Israel was created in 1948 – was graffitied on an outside wall. In April, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into the Israeli embassy in west London with a knife. CST recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, the second-highest annual total ever reported to it, after a peak the previous year. Rhetoric related to the ongoing Middle East conflict featured in 1,844 (52 per cent) of anti-Semitic incidents reported to CST in 2024. In at least 355 of the incidents the phrase 'Free Palestine' was said to have been used in an anti-Semitic way, by being targeted 'at Jewish people or institutions in a hostile manner simply because they were Jewish'.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Police tell British Jews ‘be vigilant' after DC anti-Semitic attack
Scotland Yard has urged London's Jewish community to remain vigilant in the aftermath of the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. The Metropolitan Police warned Jewish Londoners of the 'ever-present need' to be on their guard following the attack, carried out near the US capital's Jewish museum by a man who shouted 'free Palestine'. A Met Police spokesman said: 'We understand why the awful attack on the Jewish community in Washington DC on Wednesday evening will undoubtedly have increased concerns among Jewish Londoners. 'It comes at a time when many are already increasingly worried about their safety. 'There is nothing to indicate that events in Washington have specifically increased the risk or threat here in London, but they are a reminder of the ever-present need to be vigilant. Our message to Jewish Londoners remains the same – please be alert, but do not be alarmed. 'If you see something that doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and report it.' The spokesman added: 'Since Oct 7 2023 we have seen a concerning increase in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat from extremism or terrorism. 'Officers have been working closely with community members and key partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence particularly in those areas with larger Jewish populations or in the vicinity of relevant venues. That work continues.' The Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect Jews from terrorism and anti-Semitism, has also urged British Jews to continue taking basic security measures to safeguard premises and individuals. In a statement the CST said: 'CST condemns the terrorist murder of two Israeli embassy staff outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. Our thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this awful time. 'This kind of terrorism is a global threat to all Jewish communities that has risen significantly since Oct 7, and it is the reason why there is so much security across the Jewish community in the UK. 'CST will continue working tirelessly with the police, government and other partners to enable a safe, proud Jewish way of life in this country.' The CST issues regular security advice to Jewish community, including to keep gates and doors closed or guarded; to be alert for suspicious people and activities, including parked cars and unattended items and to avoid congregating outside communal buildings and events. They also warned about 'tailgating' – when people follow close behind someone to gain access to a building when gates or doors are opened. Its security measures are understood to have increased significantly following Israel's response to the Oct 7 attacks and have remained at a very high level ever since. The Washington victims, a young couple planning their engagement, had left a reception for diplomats near the city's Jewish museum on Wednesday night when a stranger armed with a handgun approached them and opened fire. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, fled into the museum and was detained by security staff as witnesses rushed to help the victims. As he was detained by officers he was heard shouting 'free, free Palestine'. Israel named one of the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, 28, who worked in the embassy's political department. The second was named as Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American embassy employee. Rising anti-Semitic crime The latest UK warnings followed a paint attack on a mainly Jewish office block in north Manchester on May 15. Rico House, in Prestwich – which is owned by a Jewish company and leases offices to businesses that include a jeweller and a property management firm – was targeted by the protest group Palestine Action. Red paint was thrown across the building's front, windows, and entrance and 'Happy Nakba Day' – signifying the displacement of Palestinians when the state of Israel was created in 1948 – was graffitied on an outside wall. In April, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into the Israeli embassy in west London with a knife. CST recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK last year, the second-highest annual total ever reported to it, after a peak the previous year. Rhetoric related to the ongoing Middle East conflict featured in 1,844 (52 per cent) of nti-Semitic incidents reported to CST in 2024. In at least 355 of the incidents the phrase 'Free Palestine' was said to have been used in an anti-Semitic way, by being targeted 'at Jewish people or institutions in a hostile manner simply because they were Jewish'.
