Police investigating targeting of TWO Golders Green Synagogues in the past week

Police have described a series of antisemitic attacks in Golders Green as “revolting and appalling” and urged members of the public with information to come forward, after an unknown assailant smeared faeces on the walls and entrances of two Synagogues and one private residence.

Shomrim in North West London have managed to gather CCTV from multiple locations and have provided it to the police. The videos appear to show the same individual, a white male, carrying out the attacks on two prominent Synagogues in the Golders Green area. The first attack took place in the early hours of the morning of Wednesday 3 September, with the second attack on a synagogue happening early in the morning on Sunday 7 September. In both cases, the individual, who appears to have a close cut beard, carried out the attacks while wearing a dark hooded jumper and white shorts. Both Shomrim and the police confirmed that a private home was also targeted on a different night.

A Shomrim spokesperson described the attacks as “a deliberate and disgraceful antisemitic act targeting places of worship and members of our community. It is utterly disgusting, and those responsible must be caught and brought to justice.

“Nobody should have to face such hatred when going to pray or at their own home. Shomrim will continue to work closely with police to support the victims and to help ensure the perpetrators are found.”

The Metropolitan police confirmed that the offences are being investigated as religiously motivated criminal damage.

Detective Superintendent Tony Bellis from the north-west neighbourhood team, who is leading on this investigation, said:

“This is a revolting and appalling act and we are urging the public to help us locate those responsible as soon as possible.

“We are very aware of how distressing this must have been for those who use the synagogues. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

“We are actively engaging with the local community and remain in discussion with community partners and key stakeholders to provide reassurance and support.

“Detectives from my Community Safety Unit are working at pace to identify the suspect.”

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101 quoting 1071/03SEP.

If you wish to remain anonymous do speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said:

“There is no place for antisemitism and hate in our community. I will not tolerate it. Last night I visited one of the synagogues that have experienced a vile attack to offer my solidarity and reassurance to them.

“The wider community in Golders Green should be assured that the police, Shomrim and locals authorities are doing everything possible to find the perpetrator and bring them to justice.

“The vast majority of people in Golders Green live side by side with mutual respect. We will not let hatred win.”