Met forms team after attacks on Jewish community
Met forms team after attacks on Jewish community
Met forms team after attacks on Jewish – The Metropolitan Police has announced the creation of a new Community Protection Team, which will see an additional 100 officers deployed to safeguard London’s Jewish communities. This initiative aims to bolster security in response to a recent surge in antisemitic incidents, including attacks on synagogues, a Jewish ambulance charity, and a memorial wall in Golders Green. The team will integrate personnel from neighbourhood policing, specialist protection units, and counter-terrorism divisions, ensuring a multifaceted approach to addressing the threats faced by the community.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over antisemitism in the UK, with the Met citing a series of arson attacks and a double stabbing in Golders Green as key catalysts. The latter incident, now classified as a potential act of terrorism, has intensified the need for dedicated resources. Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized the importance of the team, stating that it marks a significant step in combating the “pandemic” of antisemitism that he has repeatedly warned about. The unit will initially concentrate on antisemitic threats but is designed to serve as a template for protecting other groups experiencing heightened hate crime risks.
Community Security Trust endorses the move
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity established to combat antisemitism in British communities, praised the announcement as a timely and necessary response. The CST highlighted the increased awareness of anti-Jewish hatred, noting that the measure reflects the urgency of the current threat landscape. They also welcomed the recent rise in arrests related to hate crimes, which they see as a positive indication of the police’s proactive stance. “This new measure is an important step at a time of heightened anti-Jewish hatred and reflects the seriousness of the threats currently facing the community,” the spokesperson stated.
The Met reported that approximately 50 individuals have been apprehended in connection with antisemitic offenses in recent weeks, with eight formally charged. These arrests, according to the force, demonstrate the effectiveness of their current strategies. However, the police also acknowledged that sustained efforts will be required to maintain this progress. “We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk,” Sir Mark Rowley added.
Highlighting the broader context, the Met reiterated that tackling all forms of hate crime remains a core priority. This includes addressing anti-Muslim abuse, racism, and homophobia, which have seen notable increases in recent months. The new Community Protection Team is intended to complement existing initiatives, such as the £25m government funding package allocated to protective policing. Of this total, £18m has been directed to the Met, which has already enabled the addition of 1,000 weekly officer shifts through overtime and redeployment strategies.
The integration of local officers into the team underscores the Met’s commitment to community-based security. These personnel, described as “locally based, understand their communities, and have strong relationships with residents, schools, faith leaders, and volunteers,” are expected to play a crucial role in identifying and preventing potential attacks. Sir Mark Rowley further stressed that the team’s formation is part of a longer-term strategy to ensure that the response to antisemitism is not only robust but also scalable. “The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing,” he said.
While the initial focus of the team will be on Jewish communities, the Met has already outlined plans to expand its reach. This includes applying the same model to protect other vulnerable groups facing spikes in hate crime. The force highlighted that such a multidisciplinary approach would allow for greater flexibility in addressing various forms of prejudice. “We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk,” Sir Mark Rowley reiterated.
Community leaders and faith representatives have also expressed appreciation for the Met’s efforts. They view the new team as a vital resource in fostering a safer environment for Jewish residents and businesses. The CST noted that the increased presence of police officers could serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders, reinforcing the message that antisemitic attacks will not be tolerated. “The increase in the number of arrests for antisemitic hate crimes in recent weeks is a welcome sign of effective action being taken by the police, which we hope will send a strong message both to the Jewish community and to would-be offenders,” the CST spokesperson added.
The Met’s decision to establish the team is part of a wider effort to address the growing prevalence of hate crime in the capital. With the recent funding injection, the force aims to build a more resilient and responsive policing framework. This includes not only the deployment of additional officers but also the enhancement of intelligence-gathering and community engagement initiatives. Sir Mark Rowley stressed that the unit would work closely with local authorities and charities to ensure a coordinated effort. “We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk,” he reiterated.
As the team begins operations, the Met is expected to closely monitor its effectiveness and adapt strategies as needed. The initiative also aligns with broader national goals to combat hate crime and promote social cohesion. With the new unit, the police hope to create a lasting impact that goes beyond immediate threat mitigation, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion. “The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing,” Sir Mark Rowley said.
Residents and community members have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity or incidents of hate crime, as the team seeks to maintain an open dialogue with the public. The Met’s spokesperson emphasized that the unit would not only respond to threats but also work to prevent them through proactive engagement. “The increase in the number of arrests for antisemitic hate crimes in recent weeks is a welcome sign of effective action being taken by the police, which we hope will send a strong message both to the Jewish community and to would-be offenders,” the CST spokesperson stated.
The announcement follows a £25m government funding package for protective policing, with £18m allocated to the Met. This investment has already contributed to the addition of 1,000 officer shifts per week, facilitated by overtime and redeployment efforts. The Met plans to use these funds to support the new Community Protection Team while continuing to address other forms of hate crime. “We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk,” Sir Mark Rowley concluded.
Quotes from officials
“The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing.”
“The increase in the number of arrests for antisemitic hate crimes in recent weeks is a welcome sign of effective action being taken by the police, which we hope will send a strong message both to the Jewish community and to would-be offenders.”