Two Jewish men were stabbed in London on Wednesday in a suspected terrorist attack, sparking widespread condemnation and raising concerns about increasing antisemitism in the United Kingdom.

Attack in Golders Green

The attack took place in Golders Green, a northwest London suburb and a central hub for the British Jewish community. The area is known for its synagogues, kosher restaurants, and Jewish schools.

Suspect Arrested

A 45-year-old man was arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder. The Metropolitan Police reported that the victims, aged 34 and 76, were hospitalized with knife wounds.

Rising Antisemitism

This incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks in London in recent weeks, causing significant concern for the safety of Jewish residents. Investigations are underway to determine the attacker’s motives and potential connections to previous incidents.

Related Arson Attacks

Recent arson attacks targeted a charity’s ambulances in Golders Green and a synagogue a few kilometers away. These attacks did not result in any injuries.

Potential Iranian Involvement

Counterterror police are investigating the possibility of Iranian proxy involvement. Accusations suggest Iran has been using criminal networks to conduct attacks on European soil, targeting opposition media and the Jewish community.

Disrupted Plots

British intelligence services have reportedly disrupted over 20 potentially lethal Iran-backed plots in the past year.

Details of the Attack

Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with an individual running along Golders Green Road armed with a knife, attempting to attack Jewish members of the public. Members of the Shomrim volunteer security organization intervened, detaining the suspect before police arrived.

Suspect Subdued

The suspect was subdued with a stun gun. Surveillance footage shows the assailant lunging at a man wearing a kippah near a bus stop. The suspect also allegedly attempted to attack police officers, though none were injured.

Condemnation and Calls for Action

The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders and Jewish community representatives. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that attacks on the Jewish community are attacks on Britain itself.

Statements from Leaders

Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis expressed dismay, stating that Jews now face a campaign of violence and intimidation and that condemnation alone is insufficient. He called for meaningful action. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated it has become dangerous to openly identify as Jewish in major capital cities.

Increase in Antisemitic Incidents

The Community Security Trust reported a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents across the U.K., with 3,700 incidents recorded in 2025, up from 1,662 in 2022. This surge follows the October 7th Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.

Recent Attack in Manchester

The recent attack in Manchester, where a driver intentionally rammed a car into people outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur, resulting in two fatalities, underscores the severity of the situation. Residents of Golders Green expressed shock and fear, highlighting a feeling of vulnerability.