King Charles to become Community Security Trust patron
Despite Hatzola firebombing earlier in the day, guests at CST's annual dinner were determined and defiant
It was the best “good news” an anxious Jewish community could have hoped for: King Charles has agreed to become patron of the Community Security Trust.
Lord Finkelstein, a trustee of the CST, delivered the King’s decision to a rapturous 1200-strong crowd at the charity’s annual dinner, its timing all the more perfect for a community still coming to terms with that morning’s vicious firebombing of four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green. The audience included politicians from across Parliament, from Health Secretary Wes Streeting to former Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverley.
But the mood running through the evening’s event was one of determination and defiance. Lord Finkelstein set the tone when he declared: “We are going to stay strong because we have each other — and we have allies.” Not only, he said, did the community welcome keynote speaker, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, “with an open heart and open arms”, but “our greatest ally” was the King.
His Majesty’s acceptance of the invitation to become patron of the CST sent a clear message, Lord Finkelstein said. “We are not just Jews, we are British Jews. We stay strong and we stay here. We have seen worse, and we have come through it.”
In a warm and passionate address, the Home Secretary spoke repeatedly not merely of the need to tackle antisemitism but also set out some of the measures which the government is taking. These include an increase to £28 million of funding, previously announced, for the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant. Ms Mahmood said she was happy to announce that this level of funding would be maintained in the year ahead.
The Home Secretary began her address by saying she wished “that the work of the organisation is no longer necessary”, that she wished “we had defeated antisemitism in this country”, and that she wished “we could take the safety of our Jewish community for granted”.
But she noted: “It is not lost on me that this funding is an illustration of a wider societal failure: the failure to address the scourge of antisemitism. I am no stranger to this fight. In the dark years of opposition, I fought the antisemitism that infected and disfigured the Labour Party, as did the Prime Minister”.
She described the attack on the Hatzola ambulances as “appalling,” saying: “To target Hatzola, an institution devoted to saving lives and serving the public in North London, is so warped it defies words.
“This was more than an attack on four ambulances. It was more than an attack on one organisation or on one community. It was an attack on this country and on us all”. And she made clear: “An investigation is ongoing. Those behind this warped attack should be in no doubt: they will be pursued and made to face the consequences of their vile actions”.
Speaking with obvious pain, Ms Mahmood commented: “Today, Jews in this country are being forced to live a smaller life: they are hiding the signs of their faith. They are fearful as they send their children to school. Even when they attend a hospital appointment….History has repeatedly screamed its warning at us. And yet, here we are again, in 2026, with the oldest hatred rising once more”.
In a subtle, yet pointed response to the criticisms about hate marches and policing, the Home Secretary said: “In the Home Office, I am aware of the issues around protests, where legitimate freedoms are being abused and hatred is too often unchecked.
“I have already strengthened police powers on repeat protests which have rightly been a source of great concern and criticism.
“I have also commissioned a wider review — led by Lord McDonald — to ensure our public order and hate crime laws keep hatred and intimidation off our streets.
“It is my firmly held view that we must tackle the permissive environment that allows antisemitism, and all extremism, to fester”.
The Home Secretary’s passionate address came after an unexpected contribution from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, one of a number of senior police figures to attend the event.
Sir Mark, equally aware of strong criticism levelled at the Met’s policing, spoke of plans to introduce “highly visible firearms patrols” and pledged to add 264 more officers to local policing. Like every speaker, Sir Mark praised both the professional staff and the volunteers of CST, and said partnership with the charity was “vital” in tackling the challenges ahead.
The CST’s deputy chairman, Sir Lloyd Dorfman, added his voice to gratitude to King Charles, saying that his “solidarity and support could not be more timely.” CST’s chief executive, Mark Gardner, thanking his staff and volunteers, told the audience that “Despite it all, actually because of it all, CST has never been stronger or more determined than we are right now”. The organisation’s founder, Sir Gerald Ronson, made the appeal.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
