Opinion
As head of London police, mark my words: you are not alone
We recognise the staggering surge in antisemitism and are determined to ensure your safety
October 5, 2025 08:50
3 min read
We recognise the staggering surge in antisemitism and are determined to ensure your safety
October 5, 2025 08:50Next week marks two years since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7. I recognise for many in London’s Jewish communities, this anniversary is not just a moment of remembrance, it is a time of deep pain, renewed fear, and profound reflection. The surge in antisemitism since that day has been staggering, and its impact on Jewish Londoners has been both visible and deeply personal.
Thursday’s horrific and tragic terror attack in Manchester has only intensified those concerns, and brought Jewish Londoners’ continued concerns about their personal safety once again in to sharp focus. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the communities affected. It was a stark and painful reminder of the threats we continue to face and of the urgent need to stand together against hate in all its forms.
It is utterly unacceptable that Jewish communities in London should live in fear. Whether walking to synagogue, attending school, or simply going about daily life, no one should feel unsafe because of their faith or identity. As Commissioner, I want to say this clearly and directly: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.
On Friday evening, I had a call with the Chief Rabbi and visited a synagogue in north London. I spoke with families, young people, and community leaders. I listened to their stories, their grief, their resilience, their hopes. I saw the strength of a community that refuses to be broken, even in the face of unimaginable pain. And I left with a renewed determination to ensure that our Jewish communities feel safe, supported, and protected.
We have increased visible patrols and our protective security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centres. Since Thursday and for the next few days we have 350 extra officers out in communities dedicated to this. This is a not symbolic gestures, they are real, tangible actions to deter those who seek to intimidate and to reassure those who deserve to feel safe. Our officers are there not just to protect, but to engage, to listen, and to show solidarity.
We continue to work closely with community leaders, faith organisations, and partners like the Community Security Trust. Their voices guide our response and strengthen our resolve. This is not just about policing, it’s about partnership, empathy, and trust.
At the same time, we are being forced to divert significant resources to police a planned event in central London this weekend – an event that previously saw over 1,000 people gather in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation. This will be the third such mass law-breaking event in recent months. The previous two saw more than 1,400 arrests, the vast majority for supporting a proscribed organisation.
Understandably some are saying that continuing such protests within hours of Thursday’s horrific terrorist murder of British Jews, at a time when communities are grieving and deeply fearful, not only risks inflaming tensions but also shows a lack of sensitivity. As a police chief, I am deeply worried about the reckless risks that supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation may have on inflaming community tension and stretching police resources.
Let me be clear: there is no legal power for the police to ban this protest, nor is there any route to apply to the Home Secretary to prohibit static assemblies.
Hate has no place in our city, whether it targets Jewish, Muslim, black, LGBTQ+ or any other communities. We must not allow global conflicts to divide us here at home. The tension within and between communities is being exploited by extremists. Extremist groups have tried to stir fear and disorder. Their actions are distressing for all Londoners, but especially for those already facing discrimination. We will not allow them to hijack our streets or our values.
As your police service, we are here to support you. We are committed to protecting your safety, respecting your rights, and earning your trust. That means listening, learning, and acting. It means treating every report of hate crime with the seriousness it deserves. And it means standing with you - not just in moments of crisis, but every single day.
London is a city of many communities, many faiths, and many stories. Its strength lies in its mutual respect and the shared belief that everyone deserves to live free from fear.
To Jewish Londoners: we are with you. We will continue to protect you, support you, and stand beside you. You are not alone.
Sir Mark Rowley is Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
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