LONDON (AP) — The British government has declared antisemitism in the U.K. an "emergency," allocating 25 million pounds (approximately $34 million) to enhance security around Jewish sites. This decision follows a series of arson attacks and a double stabbing incident that left two Jewish men seriously injured in London’s Golders Green neighborhood. The victims, aged 34 and 76, are reported to be in stable condition.

The police have arrested a 45-year-old male suspect on suspicion of attempted murder, labeling the incident an act of terrorism. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and exploring potential connections to Iranian proxies. Counterterrorism police are also looking into whether the stabbings are related to recent arson attacks targeting synagogues and other Jewish sites in London.

Following the Golders Green attack, authorities searched a property in southeast London linked to the suspect, who reportedly has a history of serious violence and mental health issues. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that combating antisemitism is a pressing security issue, issuing a call to action amid growing concerns within Britain's Jewish community, which numbers around 300,000.

The uptick in antisemitic incidents across the U.K. follows the attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ongoing war in Gaza. The Community Security Trust charity has reported a staggering increase, with 3,700 incidents logged in 2025, compared to 1,662 in the previous year. Notably, in October 2025, an assailant drove a car into individuals gathered outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, resulting in fatalities.

Some members of the Jewish community and their allies have expressed concerns that recent pro-Palestinian protests have exceeded legitimate criticism of Israel and fostered an environment of intimidation and hostility towards Jews. Although the majority of these protests have remained peaceful, chants such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" have been cited as inciting anti-Jewish sentiments. Several protesters have been arrested for expressing support for Hamas, which is banned in the U.K.

Former government reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, has advocated for a temporary ban on pro-Palestinian marches, asserting that they have contributed to the nurturing of antisemitism. Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has echoed this sentiment, stating that such marches serve as a cover for violence and intimidation against members of the Jewish community.

Since the beginning of the war in Iran on February 28, a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites and opponents of the Iranian government have occurred. Individuals ranging from teenagers to those in their 40s have been arrested and charged in connection with these incidents, though they have not resulted in injuries. Many of the attacks have been claimed online by a group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which has been linked to previous synagogue attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Following the Golders Green stabbing, an online claim was released by the same group taking responsibility for the attack. Mahmood stated that authorities are investigating the credibility and circumstances of this claim. Additionally, the government announced plans for new legislation aimed at prosecuting individuals and groups acting on behalf of state-sponsored organizations, as part of its broader initiative to tackle the rising tide of antisemitism and protect vulnerable communities.