A Jewish charity is mounting its “largest ever” security operation alongside police amid fears that Iranian-funded terror groups are targeting British Jews around the anniversary of the Hamas-led Israel massacre.
Israel’s National Security Council warned that “efforts to carry out attacks against Israeli/Jewish targets abroad are expected to intensify” around October 7, a date that also coincides with four of the holiest days on the calendar. Jew.
It comes amid record rates of antisemitism across Britain, including incidents of physical assault, desecration of property and online abuse.
Last night the Community Security Trust issued a lengthy security advisory to British Jews warning of possible revenge attacks on the community following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.
They warned that “Hezbollah and Iran have a long history of terrorist attacks against Jewish communities in the diaspora,” so they urged congregants to keep the “doors and gates closed” of synagogues and for people to “disperse quickly.” once the religious services have ended.
Jews celebrate Simchat Torah, one of the religion’s most important holidays, in 2018
A man dances in a synagogue during the Simchat Torah celebration
A Jewish man holds a Torah scroll during the Simhat Torah celebration in the Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, north of Tel Aviv, on September 26, 2013.
In the event of an emergency, Jews should “know how to lock and lock,” the advisory concluded.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has said uniformed and plainclothes officers will be “patrolling in greater numbers in key areas” to try to protect the community from any threats.
A CST spokesperson told the Mail: ‘The High Holidays are always a sensitive period for the Jewish community, and they now coincide with the anniversary of the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.
“CST will mount its largest Holy Days security operation during this extended period, working closely with police forces across the country to allow our community to observe these important festivals.”
Scotland Yard said: “Since 7 October 2023, we have seen a worrying rise in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat of extremism or terrorism.
“Officers have been working closely with community members and key partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence.”
On Wednesday, Israel’s National Security Council warned that there is an “increasing likelihood” of attacks during the high Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
Jews dance with Torah scrolls during the Simhat Torah celebration in the Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, north of Tel Aviv, on October 8, 2012.
People attend a Shabbat service in Miami Beach, Florida, on September 27.
He stated: ‘We hope that October 7, 2024 will be an important date for terrorist organizations (and in particular for the Hamas and Global Jihad factions).
‘The high motivation among terrorist organizations (Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Global Jihad) along with the atmosphere filled with anti-Israel and anti-Jewish hatred in many countries since the beginning of the war, significantly increase the likelihood of lone aggressors, terrorist organizations base or organized terrorist groups that carry out attacks against Israelis/Jews abroad.’
The Jewish New Year, ‘Rosh Hashanah’, begins on October 2 and ends on October 4.
Last year’s devastating attacks also took place on the morning of ‘Simchat Torah’, a Jewish festival which this year falls on October 25.
Security expert Eyal Pinko, who spent 30 years in the Israeli navy and intelligence, explained: ‘Iranian terrorist representatives see attacking Jewish targets as a way to get revenge on Israel.
A man hands out prayer books during a Shabbat service on September 27.
‘Jewish community centers in Europe are considered ‘soft bellies’ because they are very vulnerable.
“But the cooperation between the British and Israeli intelligence agencies is very good and if there is any Israeli intelligence about an attack in Britain, surely this information will be shared.”
Several possible terrorist attacks in Europe have already been thwarted thanks to intelligence shared by the Israeli secret services.
David Collins, chief operating officer of the United Synagogue, a union of British Orthodox synagogues representing the core Orthodox movement, said: “Unfortunately, the United Synagogue has to worry about the safety of its communities, synagogues, nurseries and cemeteries every day. of the year.
“Charity spends £1,000,000 a year on security.”
More than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and more than 240 hostages were kidnapped.