An attempted arson attack has been carried out overnight on Kenton United Synagogue in northwest London.
The incident late on Saturday night left minor smoke damage but no injuries or significant damage to the building, according to the Community Security Trust (CST).
It is the latest in a string of attempted attacks against the Jewish community, including Finchley Reform Synagogue last week and the former site of charity Jewish Futures in Hendon on Friday.
Police, fire crews and representatives of CST all attended the scene at Kenton Synagogue, which remained blocked off on Sunday morning.
Services for the congregation led by Rabbi Yehuda Black took place at another location.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis condemned what he called a “cowardly attack” and warned of a “dangerous moment” for society.
Rabbi Mirvis said in a post on X: “Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack. It follows the attack in Finchley on Wednesday and the attempted attack on what was the Jewish Futures building in Hendon on Friday night, making three Jewish sites attacked in London in less than a week.
“A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum. This sustained attack on our community’s ability to worship and live in safety is an attack on the values that bind us all together.
"Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society.”
The Islamist group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya - The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand – has made an unverified claim of responsibility for the attempted attack on Kenton Synagogue in a post on social media, after making similar statements following other recent attacks.
Conservative MP Bob Blackman told the JC that the incident at Kenton Synagogue in his constituency of Harrow East is “another attempt at intimidating the Jewish population”.
He said: “It is another outrageous attack on the Jewish community.
“I hope the police catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice and a suitable sentence is passed on them.”
United Synagogue president Saul Taylor said: "We are yet again deeply saddened by the arson attacks that have taken place this weekend, including the attack on Kenton United Synagogue, one of our own communities.
"A synagogue is not just a building, it is a place of worship, community and – theoretically – safety. To target it in this way is a deeply disturbing act that strikes at the heart of Jewish life.
“Thank God no one was hurt and we are grateful to the emergency services and CST for their swift response today.
"The Government and local police forces have responded well to the recent appalling attacks including Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation and Hatzola ambulances, but it is clear that more must be done to prevent these attacks occurring at all.
“The Prime Minister should declare publicly what the Jewish community has known for some time: this is an epidemic of anti-Jewish hate.
"The Kenton community and the wider United Synagogue will not be deterred. Despite their shul being closed, just this morning, led by Rabbi Yehuda Black, the community held a busy shacharit minyan in a different location. They look forward to being back in their shul home very soon.
"We will not be intimidated, and we will remain strong and united in the face of hatred."
The CST said: “We are aware of another attempted arson, this time targeting a synagogue in north London, following similar recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon.
“On this occasion there was minor smoke damage to an internal room, but there were no injuries and no significant structural damage.
“We want to thank the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade [LFB] for responding quickly and for all they are doing to protect the Jewish community during this unprecedented period.
“We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible.
“We urge people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, at any time of day or night, to the police immediately on 999 and then to CST.”
Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg said in a post on X: “Overnight, another British synagogue faced an arson attack. I have been in touch with the leadership of Kenton Shul & United Synagogue to offer full support.
“We will be speaking to Govt & police in the next days about how to repel this attack on our country.”
The JC has contacted the Met, LFB and the synagogue for comment.
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