A Jewish charity is launching its “largest ever” security operation to keep synagogues safe amid fears that terrorists could launch attacks as the October 7 anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel approaches.
The Community Security Trust warned that the risk of attacks on Jewish communal organisations had escalated as the anniversary approaches and following recent events in the Middle East, including the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
In a security notice issued to Britain’s synagogues, it said that “Hezbollah and Iran have a long record of terrorist attacks against Diaspora Jewish communities”, and urged strict security procedures.
This includes being especially alert for “suspicious people and activities” and ensuring that “all stakeholders know how to lockdown and barricade” in case of emergency.
The anniversary also comes around some of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, the High Holy Days, which includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Chief Executive of the CST, which provides security for Jewish communal organisations, Mark Gardner, said: “We will be working in partnership with police up and down the country to keep synagogues and communal areas safe, which is our number one priority.
“Remember if you see anything suspicious, report it to police and CST immediately.”
Israel's National Security Council similarly warned that “efforts to carry out attacks against Israeli/Jewish targets abroad are expected to intensify” around October 7.
The warnings already come amid a surge in antisemitic attacks in Britain since Hamas’s terror attack, with nearly 2,000 antisemitic incidents reported across the country in the first six months of the year alone.
This reflects “the ongoing high volume of anti-Jewish hate reported since the Hamas terror attack,” the CST said.
A Scotland Yard spokesperson said the Met was working closely with Jewish community leaders to provide “advice, reassurance and a visible presence”.
“Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a concerning increase in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat from extremism or terrorism,” the spokesperson said.
The fears of increased attacks on Jewish communities in Britain comes as Iran on Tuesday night launched a barrage of missiles on Israel, prompting further concern of an escalating regional war.
Israel said it intercepted many of the 180 missiles and there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Iran claimed the barrage was retaliation for Israel’s actions against Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel launched what it called a “limited” ground invasion in southern Lebanon in a bid to destroy Hezbollah rockets and to allow thousands of Israelis forced from their homes in northern Israel to return.
