London police are investigating a third arson attack targeting Jewish sites in North London within a week, focusing on potential involvement of Iranian proxies in the spate of incidents.
On the night of April 18, a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through a window of Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, causing minor smoke damage to a room inside. No injuries were reported, and forensic officers were seen inspecting the scene on April 19. The Metropolitan Police’s counterterrorism unit is leading the inquiry, with officers noting damage first detected during routine patrols.
This incident follows an arson attack on a building in Hendon that previously housed a Jewish charity, which occurred late on April 17, also without injuries. Earlier in the week, two people were arrested over an arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley. Additionally, four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in Golders Green in late March.
Police are also probing an attack on a Persian-language media company, amid concerns these incidents may be interconnected.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans identified a relatively unknown militant group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya as claiming responsibility for many of the attacks. This group, which reportedly has links to Iran, has claimed similar assaults in Belgium and the Netherlands.
“We are aware of public reporting suggesting this group may have links to Iran. We will continue to explore that question as our investigation evolves,” Evans stated. She added that the Iranian regime’s alleged use of criminal proxies is a tactic under consideration for these London attacks.
In response to the incidents, police have increased patrols in neighborhoods with large Jewish populations.
The Community Security Trust, which advises Jewish organizations on safety, reported that in 2025 there were 3,700 antisemitic incidents in the UK—the second-highest annual total on record.
British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned the recent attacks, warning of “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community in the UK” gaining momentum. He emphasized the urgency to recognize the threat before any loss of life occurs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement condemning the attacks, calling them “abhorrent” and pledging that they “will not be tolerated.” He affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing those responsible.
Why it matters
The attacks represent a troubling escalation of antisemitic violence in the UK, highlighting security risks faced by Jewish communities and raising concerns about foreign influence in domestic terrorism. The investigation into possible Iranian proxy involvement signals broader geopolitical implications, as this tactic has been seen in other European countries.
Background
The recent wave of attacks is part of an increasing trend of antisemitic incidents across the UK, with community groups documenting record-level hostility in recent years. The militant group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, linked to Iran, has garnered attention due to its claims of responsibility for similar attacks elsewhere in Europe, prompting UK authorities to intensify counterterrorism efforts.
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