UK Jewish security on high alert after Jerusalem terrorist attack

Security firms providing guards to synagogues, Jewish schools and other communal buildings in the UK have been put on high alert following this week’s terrorist attack in Jerusalem.

The CST has reminded these companies about the security procedures that need to be followed “to ensure that they are aware of the possible implications for our community”.

CST spokesman Dave Rich added: “This is part of our ongoing work and is something we always do at times of increased tension, rather than being something new as a result of events this week.” Meanwhile, reacting to the murders, the Chief Rabbi’s Office, the Movement for Reform Judaism, Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council all issued online statements condemning the attack.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said: “I am horrified and disgusted at the slaughter of innocent people in asynagogue. This is an affront to all faiths. To be brutally murdered when engaging in the sacred act of prayer is a despicable crime.”

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Senior Rabbi to the Movement for Reform Judaism, wrote: “I was deeply shocked and saddened by the latest terrorist attack in Jerusalem, and angered by the scenes of carnage in a holy building.”

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Quesions on Wednesday, David Cameron said: “We send our deepest condolences to Rabbi Goldberg’s family and friends, as well as the family and friends of the other victims.”

Ed Miliband added: “All of my sympathy is with the families and friends of this horrific terrorist attack.”

The Board of Deputies together with the Jewish Leadership Council have launched a campaign as a memorial to the four victims, called Remembering the Har Nof victims. As part of the campaign, all synagogue movements will send memorial prayers out to their shuls and encourage people to take photographs of members reciting prayers and upload them to a central location.