- The Metropolitan Police significantly increased its presence to protect Jewish communities celebrating Lag B’Omer in London, following a rise in antisemitic attacks and a severe national terror threat level.
- This heightened security comes after recent incidents, including two stabbings in Golders Green and an arson attack on a former synagogue, with some linked to the Iran-backed group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya.
- The Met is deploying 1000 additional officer shifts weekly and has increased patrols at vulnerable Jewish sites, with Commander James Conway noting a 'unique confluence of hate crime, hostile state threats and terrorism threats'.
- Antisemitic hate crimes have reached a two-year high, prompting government plans for new legislation imposing up to 14-year sentences for Iran-orchestrated attacks and an £18m allocation for 100 extra officers.
- While grateful for the increased protection, Jewish community members expressed fear and anxiety but affirmed their determination to 'stay strong' and continue their way of life despite the ongoing threats.
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