‘I was trying to save a life,’ says man who intervened in Golders Green attack

I was trying to save a life – Golders Green, a quiet neighborhood in north London, became the scene of a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday morning when a 76-year-old Jewish man was targeted in a knife assault. A passerby, Ashkan Asadian, stepped in to stop the attack, risking his own safety to protect the victim. His actions, which included disarming the attacker and sealing him inside a greengrocer’s shop, prevented further harm and gave police the chance to arrive. Shine, the victim, suffered serious injuries but has since been released from the hospital, according to local reports.

The Hero’s Bold Action

The incident unfolded at a bus stop, where Moshe Shine was seen adjusting his kippah, a traditional Jewish head covering, before the attack. CCTV footage captured the moment, showing Shine standing calmly while the attacker lunged at him, slashing his neck. Asadian, 61, intervened without hesitation, as he described in a recent interview with the BBC. “I saw him stabbing the old man in the neck,” he recounted. “He was definitely going to kill him, so I felt I had to do something.”

“I try to maybe [see if] I can save someone’s life,” Asadian said, his voice steady but filled with urgency. “Religion, it doesn’t matter. Jewish or non-Jewish, just [they are] human.”

Asadian’s decision to act was spontaneous. He had no prior knowledge of the attack and was only moments away from witnessing it. The attacker, later identified as Essa Suleiman, 45, chased Shine after the initial strike, creating a tense standoff. Asadian, who had been walking nearby, sprang into action, grabbing the knife from the assailant’s hand and holding him off. The two men fell to the ground, lying side by side on the busy street, as the knife remained in Suleiman’s grip.

Asadian recounted the chaos of the moment, emphasizing how quickly the situation escalated. “I tried a few times to catch the knife,” he said. “I tried to kick his arm, maybe he [will] drop the knife, but I find out [it] is quite dangerous.” His bravery paid off when the attacker, realizing he was cornered, retreated into a nearby greengrocer’s shop, as if continuing his daily routine. Asadian followed, shouting a warning to the woman behind the counter, who was unaware of the threat.

The Aftermath and Police Response

With Suleiman inside the shop, Asadian took matters into his own hands. He pushed a shopping trolley across the entrance, effectively trapping the attacker. This quick thinking allowed the police to arrive promptly, as a bystander had already called for help. “I try to maybe [see if] I can save someone’s life,” Asadian reiterated, reflecting on the pivotal moment. “It was just instinct.”

Despite the danger, Asadian remained focused. “I didn’t think about whether it was risky or not,” he said. “It was all about stopping the attack.” His own hoodie was later found slashed, with two spots of blood on it, but he escaped unscathed. Shine, meanwhile, managed to flee to safety, though his neck injury required immediate medical attention. Asadian stayed by his side until an ambulance arrived, assisting the woman in applying pressure to the wound.

The police, upon arriving, were directed to the location by Asadian. He then waited with another female witness, a local resident, while the paramedics attended to Shine. The attacker, still calm, was eventually apprehended after being cornered in the shop. Suleiman’s next court appearance is scheduled for 15 May, where he faces charges of attempted murder for the attacks on Moshe Shine, Shloime Rand, and Ishmail Hussein.

A Personal Connection to the Community

Asadian’s involvement in the incident was not just a moment of heroism but also a reflection of his deep ties to the area. Born in Iran, he moved to the UK in 1999 and has since become a naturalized British citizen. His two children reside in Golders Green, and his family lives close to the bus stop where the attack occurred. The location is notable for its multicultural makeup, with Iranian and Jewish families sharing the same block, creating a unique blend of communities.

Asadian’s actions during the attack highlight his commitment to the neighborhood he now calls home. He emphasized that the incident was a personal choice, driven by the need to protect a vulnerable individual. “Geopolitics hadn’t crossed my mind,” he said. “It was just about saving a life.” His words underscore the unity he witnessed in the face of violence, regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds.

The attack, which began shortly after 11:15 BST, left two victims with severe injuries. Shine, the elderly man, was among those hospitalized. The other victim, Shloime Rand, 34, also suffered critical wounds. Suleiman, who had known Rand for around 20 years, was linked to all three incidents, which occurred on the same day. His calm demeanor during the confrontation at the greengrocer’s shop added to the unsettling nature of the events.

Asadian’s story has sparked discussions about the role of ordinary citizens in preventing acts of violence. His quick thinking and courage in a high-stakes situation exemplify how individuals can make a difference in moments of crisis. The incident also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of communities in Golders Green, where people from diverse backgrounds come together in times of need.

Shine, who has now recovered, expressed gratitude for Asadian’s intervention. “I was lucky to have someone like him stand up for me,” he said. Asadian, though relieved, remains hopeful about the future. He shared that he wants to see Shine again, ensuring he is fully recovered. “It’s just a small act of kindness,” Asadian added, “but I think it made a big difference.”

While the attacker was apprehended, the community continues to process the event. The greengrocer’s shop, where the confrontation took place, became a symbol of the tension that day. Asadian’s actions, though brief, left a lasting impact, not only on the victims but also on the people of Golders Green. His story is now a testament to the power of quick thinking and human compassion in the face of fear and danger.