Security only goes so far – we need to root out the cause

HEADLINES about the attack read like those from our “worst-case scenario” drills.

- CLAUDIA MENDOZA CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council

For years, especially the last two years, those of us working in the Jewish community have asked ourselves not if such an attack would happen, but when.

On Thursday, that day came. Jews were attacked on our holiest day of the year for no reason other than that they were Jewish.

To have to write those words in Britain in 2025 is truly heartbreaking. And yet, in the current climate of rampant antisemitism it is not at all surprising.

This is why we have pushed so hard for protection of synagogues and community buildings. But there is so much more that needs to be done. Adding more security and a visible police presence is vital but is just a bandage on top of the plaster.