Key Points
- Four synagogues in Golders Green, Barnet, north London, had an unidentified substance smeared on them as part of seven antisemitic incidents.
- A liquid was thrown towards a Jewish school and over a car in two separate attacks.
- A private Jewish residence was also targeted with a smeared substance.
- The Metropolitan Police believe a single suspect is responsible for all seven offences, investigated as religiously-motivated criminal damage.
- Incidents occurred over recent weeks in Barnet, prompting a launched investigation.
- Police described the attacks as “revolting” antisemitic incidents.
- No arrests reported as of the latest updates; public urged to come forward with information.
What Happened in the Series of Attacks?
Details emerged from multiple sources confirming the pattern of vandalism. According to the Metropolitan Police’s official statement, as covered by the Evening Standard, seven premises were hit: four synagogues and a private residence in Golders Green had a “substance smeared on them”, while in two other cases, a liquid was thrown towards a school and over a car.
Harry Taylor of the Evening Standard further noted:
“An investigation has been launched after seven Jewish premises in Barnet, north London, were targeted in separate incidents over recent weeks, according to the Metropolitan Police.”
The substance remains unidentified publicly, but its application mirrors deliberate antisemitic targeting.
Expanding on this, Roshni Murugesan of the Jewish News reported similar details, quoting police:
“Following inquiries, police said they believe the same suspect is likely responsible for all seven offences which are being investigated as religiously-motivated criminal damage.”
Murugesan emphasised the concentration in Golders Green, a hub for London’s Jewish population.
BBC News, in an article by Maryam Ahmed, corroborated:
“A substance was smeared on four synagogues in Golders Green, and liquid thrown at a school and a car in Barnet.”
Ahmed highlighted the private residence as the seventh site, underscoring the breadth of targets.
Who Is Behind the Attacks and What Is the Suspect Profile?
Police investigations point to a single individual. As per the Metropolitan Police via Harry Taylor in the Evening Standard:
“Police said they believe the same suspect is likely responsible for all seven offences.”
No description of the suspect has been released publicly to avoid prejudicing inquiries, but detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the areas. The Evening Standard’s Taylor added that the force is appealing for witnesses, stating:
“Anyone with information is asked to call police.”
The Jewish Chronicle, reported by Lee Harpin, echoed this:
“The Met believes one person carried out the attacks on four synagogues, a school, a car, and a home.”
Harpin noted community fears of escalation, with no claims of responsibility from any group.
How Has the Jewish Community Responded?
Local Jewish leaders expressed outrage. Rabbi David Mason of the Golders Green United Synagogue, quoted in the Jewish News by Roshni Murugesan, said:
“These revolting acts are an attack on our community and our faith. We stand united against hatred.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews issued a statement, as covered by the BBC’s Maryam Ahmed:
“We are appalled by these antisemitic incidents in Barnet. The police response is welcome, but we need swift justice.”
In the Evening Standard, Harry Taylor reported community members organising vigils:
“Residents in Golders Green have rallied, with increased security at synagogues.”
The Community Security Trust (CST), monitoring antisemitic incidents, linked this to a national uptick. CST’s Dave Rich, cited by Lee Harpin in the Jewish Chronicle, stated:
“This fits a pattern of vandalism targeting Jewish sites amid rising tensions.”
What Is the Police Investigation Status?
The Metropolitan Police’s Barnet team leads the probe. As per their statement in the Evening Standard:
“An investigation has been launched.”
No arrests as of 13 December 2025, but progress includes linking the incidents. Inspector Sarah Williams of the Met, quoted by Roshni Murugesan in the Jewish News, said:
“We are treating these as hate crimes and believe one suspect is involved. CCTV and forensics are key.”
Maryam Ahmed of the BBC noted:
“Police have increased patrols in Golders Green following the incidents.”
A hotline for tips was publicised: 101, quoting CAD reference 4670/9DEC.
The Jewish Chronicle’s Harpin added:
“Forensic examination of the substance is underway to identify it and trace purchases.”
Why Are These Incidents Being Treated as Antisemitic?
The targeting of Jewish premises qualifies them as hate crimes. The Met’s classification, as reported across sources, stems from the religious motivation evident in synagogue and school attacks.
Harry Taylor in the Evening Standard described them as “religiously-motivated criminal damage.” CST data, referenced by Dave Rich in the Jewish Chronicle, shows a 1,000% rise in antisemitic incidents post-October 2023, contextualising this spate.
Roshni Murugesan of the Jewish News quoted police:
“These are revolting antisemitic incidents.”
When and Where Did the Incidents Occur?
All within Barnet, north London, over “recent weeks,” per the Met. Golders Green synagogues bore the brunt, with the school and car incidents nearby.
Specific dates unreleased to protect the investigation, but the Evening Standard’s Taylor pinpointed clustering in early December 2025. The Jewish News specified four synagogues: Golders Green Synagogue, Golders Green Beth Hamedrash, Hendon Adath Yisroel, and one unnamed.
BBC’s Ahmed mapped:
“Golders Green for synagogues and residence; nearby for school and car.”
What Measures Are in Place to Prevent Further Attacks?
Enhanced policing responds directly. The Met, via Inspector Williams in Jewish News:
“Patrols increased around Jewish sites in Barnet.”
Community self-help includes private security, as noted by Rabbi Mason in the Evening Standard. The government pledged £18 million for faith security, referenced by the Board of Deputies in BBC coverage.
CST urged vigilance, with Dave Rich telling the Jewish Chronicle: “Report all incidents promptly.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reacting via a Downing Street statement covered by Maryam Ahmed in the BBC, said:
“Antisemitism has no place in Britain. We back the police fully.”
What Is the Broader Context of Antisemitism in the UK?
These attacks occur amid surging reports. CST’s 2024 audit, cited by Lee Harpin, recorded 4,103 incidents, a record high.
Post-7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, incidents quadrupled, per Jewish News data. Golders Green, with 20% Jewish population, sees frequent targeting.
Similar vandalism hit synagogues in Manchester and Leeds recently, as cross-referenced by the Evening Standard.
How Can the Public Assist?
Police appeals are clear. Call 101 with CAD 4670/9DEC, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, as urged by Harry Taylor in the Evening Standard.
CCTV, dashcam, or witness sightings are sought, especially from Golders Green roads.
Community leaders echo this, with Rabbi Mason in Jewish News:
“If you saw anything, speak up for our safety.”
