UK Police Investigate Possible Iranian Links to London Synagogue Arson Attacks
British counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in London, with authorities examining potential links to Iran. The probe follows a recent incident at Kenton United Synagogue in the Harrow area, which occurred shortly after midnight and marks the third such attack in less than a week. A pro-Iranian government group has claimed responsibility for these acts, stating it is also behind similar attacks on U.S., Israeli, and Jewish targets across Europe.
Sustained Campaign of Violence Against Jewish Community
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the Kenton fire, which caused no significant damage, as the third "cowardly" attack on Jewish sites in the British capital within a short timeframe. In a statement on social media, Mirvis warned, "A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum." He emphasized that while no lives have been lost, the situation poses a dangerous threat to society at large.
Vicki Evans, Britain’s senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, addressed reporters, noting, "As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, counter-terrorism policing and our partners remain alive to the threat of Iranian hostile activity in the UK." Evans confirmed that police are aware of public reports suggesting the group may have ties to Iran and will continue to explore this as the investigation progresses.
Recent Incidents and Police Response
The latest attack at Kenton United Synagogue was discovered by officers on a "deterrence" patrol, who noticed a damaged window and found that an accelerant had been thrown inside. This follows other recent incidents, including an attempted arson attack on a business premises linked to the Jewish community on Friday night, and earlier arrests of two suspects over an attempted arson at another synagogue in London. Additionally, last month, several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola were torched near a synagogue in Golders Green.
In response, police have increased their presence in affected areas. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, stating on social media, "This is abhorrent and it will not be tolerated. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain."
Pro-Iranian Group Claims Responsibility
The pro-Iranian group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya (HAYI), also known as the Movement of the Companions of the Right Hand of Islam, has asserted responsibility for the Kenton synagogue attack. The group posted a video on social media purporting to show the incident. Evans noted, "This same group has claimed several incidents over recent months at places of worship, business and financial institutions across Europe. These locations all appear to be linked to Jewish or Israeli interests."
Broader Security Concerns and Proxy Threats
British police and security services have long warned about Iran employing proxies to conduct attacks on its behalf. Last month, two men were charged with being tasked by Tehran to carry out hostile surveillance on the Israeli Embassy and other Jewish targets. Evans highlighted this trend, explaining, "This is recruiting violence as a service, and the people who conduct that violence often have little or no allegiance to the cause and are taking quick cash for their crimes."
In a separate but related development, an area around the Israeli embassy in London was cordoned off following an online report of drones carrying "dangerous substances." Police later determined that the items found did not contain harmful substances. These events underscore ongoing security challenges and the need for vigilance against foreign-backed threats in the UK.
