Threats from Iran and undercover police in synagogues: The fear of British Jews before the holidays

British police arrested two suspects on national security offenses in an investigation linked to Iran, while deploying reinforced patrols and undercover officers in synagogues ahead of the High Holidays. A 23% surge in antisemitic incidents and a previous attack in Manchester heighten security concerns.

British police arrested two suspects on serious national security offenses as part of an investigation linked to Iran, according to Reuters. The arrests come at a sensitive time, alongside tense security preparations for the High Holidays. British police launched a large-scale operation to protect the Jewish community: reinforced patrols were deployed around synagogues and dozens of undercover officers were embedded in communities to identify threats in real time. The holiday period, beginning on Rosh Hashanah eve and lasting until Yom Kippur on September 21, raises deep concern. The report recalls the attack on a Manchester synagogue, where terrorist Jihad al-Shami struck just before the holidays. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called on the government to act against incitement. London police announced the establishment of a new community protection team in the northwest of the city in partnership with Jewish security organizations (CST and 'Hashomerim'). However, the Campaign Against Antisemitism organization criticized: 'The Jewish community cannot live behind ever-higher walls. True security will only be achieved when the threat is addressed at its root.'