UK Anti-Terror Chief Warns of National Security Emergency Over Attacks on Jews

The United Kingdom’s independent reviewer of counter-terrorism legislation has characterized the rise in antisemitic attacks as the most significant national security emergency the country has faced since 2017. The warning follows a stabbing attack on April 29, 2026, in Golders Green, north London, which left two Jewish men injured.

The victims of the April 29 attack have been identified as 76-year-old Moshe Shine and 34-year-old Shlomo Rand. Both men were reported to be in stable condition following the incident, which police have officially declared a terrorist incident.

Authorities have arrested a 45-year-old British national on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect, who arrived in the United Kingdom from Somalia as a child, was detained in connection with the stabbing.

National Security Emergency Designation

Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s counter-terrorism adviser, told the BBC that the prevalence of antisemitism has created a crisis comparable to the Islamic State-linked attacks in Manchester and London in 2017. Hall stated that some British Jews now feel they cannot live a normal life due to a series of targeted incidents.

I don’t think I can think of a bigger national security emergency happening in the UK since 2017 in terms of the attacks in Manchester and London… And in fact, you might say it’s the biggest national emergency since Covid.

Jonathan Hall KC

Hall suggested that the government’s response should mirror the strength of the reaction following the July 7, 2005, bombings, arguing that it is no longer sufficient to offer thoughts and prayers or rely solely on police investigations.

Government Response and Policy

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood disagreed with the specific use of the term national emergency, noting that the phrase carries legal connotations that could include suspending elements of democracy. However, Mahmood stated that she views the rise in antisemitic attacks as an emergency within her specific role as home secretary and insisted the government is treating the issue as an absolute priority.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the issue during a meeting of criminal justice agencies on April 30, 2026. Starmer stated there was no getting away from the fact that this was not a one-off, describing the situation as a series of attacks on our Jewish community. He called for a swift and visible response from state agencies.

Despite these assurances, Starmer was booed by some attendees when visiting the site of the Golders Green attack on April 30, 2026. During the visit, the Prime Minister promised to tackle extremism and antisemitism.

Security Funding

In response to the escalating security concerns for the Jewish community, the government has allocated $33 million to enhance community security measures.

Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the fight against antisemitism is a responsibility for all British citizens, stating that the issue is about what sort of a country do we want to live in.