Exclusive: Shomrim to receive government funding as part of increased Jewish security backing

The Home Office has confirmed that Shomrim will receive government funding as part of a £25 million uplift in Jewish community security funding, with responders from the security organisation being the first on the scene yesterday after a knifeman stabbed Jews in Golders Green.

Jewish News understands that there were already government discussions taking place prior to the latest attack regarding the possibility of including funding for Shomrim. However, a Home Office spokesperson told Jewish News today: “I can confirm that they [Shomrim] will receive government funding as part of the £25 million uplift. We are working with community leaders on this.”

The spokesperson also said that he “would like to pay tribute to the life-saving actions of… [Shomrim’s]  volunteers.”

The specific amount Shomrim are to receive has not been specified.

Following yesterday’s attack, Shomrim posted on social media that its volunteers had “responded immediately and detained the suspect” at which point “police attended and deployed a taser.” The police subsequently said they were considering the stabbing of two Jewish men as an act of terrorism.

In a statement by the Prime Minister yesterday, both Shomrim and Hatzola – the community organisation of medical first responders – were praised for acting swiftly, as were the police.

Traditionally, government security funding for the Jewish community has gone primarily to the Community Security Trust (CST), who are also likely to receive increased funding as part of the government’s uplift. CST is the overall manager of the government’s security grant to combat antisemitism.

The first UK branches of Shomrim, which is the Hebrew word for “guardians” were set up in Stamford Hill and then North West London in the 2000s. Further branches have since opened in Manchester and Gateshead. While the organisation is present to serve the Jewish community in general, in practice it has focused more on the specific needs of the strictly orthodox Jewish community.

Local Rabbi Benji Morgan said: “Shomrim’s presence saves time, and in emergencies, time saves lives – increasing their funding will strengthen an already vital layer of community security.”

Shomrim in North West London has been contacted for comment.