A building that served as a synagogue in London was attacked in an alleged arson attack, according to the Metropolitan Police. Although the damage was minor and no injuries were reported, the episode adds to a worrying series of incidents directed against Jewish targets in the British capital
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Authorities indicated that the fire started before dawn, according to initial security camera reviews. The investigation is being carried out with the participation of anti-terrorist units, in a context where multiple recent attacks have set off alarms
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“We are taking this incident with the utmost seriousness,” said Detective Superintendent Brittany Clark, who stressed that, although the building had no longer operated as a synagogue for years, the symbolic impact on the Jewish community is undeniable. The areas of Tower Hamlets and Hackney, with a Jewish presence, are particularly sensitive to these events.
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The escalation began on March 23 with the fire of four ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency organization Hatzola in the Golders Green neighborhood. That same day, an attempted firebomb attack was thwarted in a reformist synagogue in Finchley. Since then, there have been multiple episodes: from bottles with accelerants placed in community buildings to arson in memorials and parking lots.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on April 19, when a synagogue in Kenton was the target of a firebomb attack. Days later, a monument in memory of murdered Iranian demonstrators was set on fire. In addition to these events, a stabbing in Golders Green left two injured, carried out by an attacker who was later reduced by police and community security volunteers
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The pattern, while still under investigation, points to a sustained campaign of intimidation. The authorities have increased the police presence in the affected areas, while concern is growing among members of the London Jewish community, who are watching with concern a series of attacks that, although for the most part have left no fatalities, have eroded the sense of security
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