‘Hatred has to stop’: Terror attack survivors issue plea after Golders Green attack
Following the stabbing attack in London’s Golders Green last week, dozens of survivors and relatives of those who lost loved ones to the terrorist attacks have called for “this hatred to stop”.
As Sir Keir Starmer prepares to mobilize the “whole of society” against antisemitism following the attack on two British Jews last Wednesday – the latest in a series of attacks on the Jewish community – those affected by previous terror attacks have also added their voices.
In a letter co-ordinated by the Survivors Against Terrorism (SAT) group, signatories, including the father of the Manchester Arena bombing victim and the survivor of the 2017 London Bridge attack, expressed “deep concern” about increasing hostility towards the Jewish community.
Just as they criticize those who legitimize antisemitic attacks, they also say that those who blame all Muslims for the attacks create division.
Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with the attempted murder of Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, in Golders Green last week. The attack was declared a terrorist incident by the Met Police.
At the weekend, two men were arrested on suspicion of arson after the memorial wall in Golders Green to protesters killed during the Iranian government’s crackdown on demonstrations in January was vandalized last month.
This follows an attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March.
Last week the national terrorism threat level in the UK was raised from significant, meaning an attack is likely, to serious, meaning an attack is likely to occur within the next six months.
In the letter from SAT, the signatories wrote: “As victims and survivors of terrorist attacks, we know the devastating cost of hatred and extremism. These actions have changed our lives forever and lost people we love. Today, we write with deep concern about the increasing hostility and attacks against the Jewish community in our country and with a call to unite against it. We understand the fear felt by the Jewish community.”
“Those who justify antisemitic attacks as a result of Israel’s actions are wrong, they are creating an environment where more attacks are likely. Please stop. Likewise, those who blame all Muslims for the terrorist’s actions are creating the kind of division and hatred that the terrorists desire.”
“Standing together against hatred is not only the right thing to do, it is the most effective way to defeat terrorism in all its forms. We call for a renewed commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of all communities in this country, including our Jewish citizens. This hatred must end.”
Those who signed the letter include Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, and Marine Vincent, who survived the London Bridge terror attack in 2017. Brendan Cox, widow of murdered MP Jo Cox, also added her name.
On Tuesday Sir Keir will bring together senior figures from across public life to launch a society-wide response to antisemitism. This followed criticism from Jewish leaders who accused the prime minister of not doing enough to protect their community.
Sir Keir will hold meetings with leaders from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and the police force, asking them to consider how they could act “swiftly” to tackle antisemitism in their sectors.
He will warn that everyone has a responsibility to stand with Jewish communities as attacks on British Jews are “a crisis for us all” and “a test for our values”.
