Dozens of survivors and bereaved relatives of terror attacks have urged that “this hatred has to stop” after the knife rampage in Golders Green in London last week.
As Sir Keir Starmer began to drive a “whole society” response to antisemitism in the wake of the stabbings of two British Jews last Wednesday – the latest in a series of attacks on the Jewish community – those impacted by previous terror incidents have added their voice.
In a letter coordinated by the group Survivors Against Terror (SAT), signatories, including the father of a Manchester Arena bombing victim and the survivor of the London Bridge attack in 2017, have raised their “deep concern” over a rise in hostility against the Jewish community.
As well as criticising those who justify antisemitic attacks, they also say those who blame all Muslims for the attacks are creating division.
Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with the attempted murders of Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, in Golders Green. The attack was declared a terror incident by Met Police.
Over the weekend, two people were also arrested on suspicion of arson after last month’s damage to a Golders Green memorial wall for protesters killed by the Iranian government during January’s crackdown on demonstrations.
It follows the attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March.
Last week, the UK national terror threat level was raised from substantial, meaning an attack is likely, to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.
In the letter from from SAT, the signatories wrote: “As victims and survivors of terror attacks, we know the devastating cost of hatred and extremism. These acts have changed our lives forever and taken people we loved. We write today with deep concern at the rise in hostility and attacks against the Jewish community in our country and with an appeal to stand united against it. We understand the fear felt by the Jewish community.
“Those who justify those antisemitic attacks as being a result of Israel’s actions are not simply wrong, but create an environment where more attacks are more likely. Please stop. Similarly, those who blame all Muslims for the actions of the terrorist create the kind of division and hatred that terrorists crave.
“Standing together in the face of hatred is not just the right thing to do – it’s the most effective way of defeating terrorism in all its forms. We urge a renewed commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of all communities in this country, including our Jewish fellow citizens. This hatred has to stop.”
Those who signed the letter include Figen Murray, whose son, Martyn Hett, was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, and Marine Vincent, a survivor of the London Bridge terror attack in 2017. Brendan Cox, widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, has also added his name.
On Tuesday, Sir Keir convened a meeting with senior figures from across public life to bring forward a society-wide response to antisemitism. It comes after criticism of the prime minister by Jewish leaders, who accused him of not doing enough to protect their community.
Sir Keir held a meeting with leaders from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing, and asked them to reflect on how they can move “at pace” to tackle antisemitism in their sector.
He argued that everyone has a responsibility to stand with Jewish communities as attacks on British Jews are “a crisis for all of us” and “a test of our values”.
