Antisemitism is a ‘national security emergency’ after two people stabbed in London

Antisemitism has become ‘a national security emergency’ after two people were stabbed in Golders Green yesterday in the latest attack on the UK Jewish community.

Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terror and state threats for the government, said attacks on Jewish people have become ‘the biggest national security emergency’ since 2017.

He told the BBC: ‘There are Brits in London in particular, Manchester, but probably all around the country, who are now thinking they cannot live a normal life. And it’s not one attack, it’s multiple attacks.’

A further £25 million will be invested to increase security for Jewish communities following calls for urgent action and accusations the Government has not done enough to tackle antisemitism.

The funding will be aimed at boosting police patrols and protections around synagogues, schools and community centres.

Legislation creating proscription-like powers to pursue people and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups will also be ‘fast-tracked’ in the coming weeks, ministers said.

In October, an attacker drove his car into pedestrians and worshippers at Heaten Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.

Adrian Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds inflicted by Jihad Al-Shamie.

There has also been a spate of attacks across London over the last few months, with state-sponsored groups suspected of being involved.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is treating the attacks ‘as an emergency’.

She signalled she would  consider banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military group, as she faced questions about the new laws.

Mr Rand, the younger victim of Wednesday’s attack, told ITV: ‘People are really afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the streets.

‘People are blaming obviously the Government. You know they aren’t doing anything about what’s going on for the past few months.’

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