CNN Investigates Iran’s Ties to Arson Attacks on European Jewish Sites

A series of arson attacks targeting Jewish communities and American interests across Europe has been linked to a shadowy group with apparent ties to Iran, according to investigations into the recent surge of violence.

The attacks have struck a variety of locations, including schools, businesses and volunteer-run ambulances. In northwest London, a petrol bomb was thrown through a window of the Kenton United Synagogue during the night. The attack charred the walls of the synagogue’s medical room and melted a portion of the door.

Rabbi Yehuda Black, describing the synagogue as his gem, noted the emotional impact of the event but emphasized the potential for greater tragedy.

“It’s only the medical room. People can replace it, we can redecorate,” he says. “But what could have happened — that’s what’s really hard.”Rabbi Yehuda Black

Other incidents include an arson attack on March 24, 2026, in the Golders Green neighborhood of north London, which left volunteer ambulances burnt out. Beyond the United Kingdom, an explosive device was detonated in front of a synagogue in Belgium, and an attack on a Bank of America office in France was foiled.

The Emergence of HAYI

Responsibility for at least 17 of these incidents has been claimed by an online group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, or HAYI. The name is roughly translated from Arabic as “The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right(eous).”

The group emerged online in March 2026, shortly after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. Analysis by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), a think tank based in The Hague, indicates that the group had no known references, either online or offline, prior to March 9, 2026, when its first post was circulated in a Telegram channel.

Since that date, HAYI has used social media accounts affiliated with pro-Iranian militias and news outlets to circulate its claims and posts.

Investigation into Iranian Links

Investigations have uncovered apparent links between HAYI and an Iran-backed Shia paramilitary group. Evidence suggests that operatives linked to Iran are utilizing social media to recruit individuals to conduct surveillance and carry out potential violence against sites associated with Jewish communities in Europe.

Thomas Renard, the director of the ICCT and a counterterrorism expert, suggested that the group may not be a genuine independent entity, describing it as a possible mirage.

“In terms of digital footprint, there is clearly a close proximity with the online pro-Iranian ecosystem,” Renard told CNN. “It’s not just that these channels posted these video claims or reposted these video claims, but it’s also the fact that they did so on a timeline that indicates some kind of coordination.”Thomas Renard

Renard further stated that We find a lot of indications that this group is not genuine.

In Belgium, legal action has already been taken in connection with these events. Belgian prosecutors stated in March 2026 that two individuals were being investigated on suspicion of arson and participation in the activities of a terrorist organization.