Shomrim, the Jewish community safety organisation operating in north-west London, has pledged to increase patrols following a terror attack outside a synagogue in Golders Green. The incident, which left two people stabbed, has been declared a terrorist attack by counter-terrorism police.
Heroic Intervention by Shomrim Volunteer
Volunteer Yonathan Elkouby assisted Metropolitan Police officers in detaining the suspect. Elkouby described locking eyes with the alleged knifeman, stating, "I managed to block him off, and with the police, we managed to put him down. At one point, he made eye contact with me, and came at me."
What is Shomrim?
Shomrim, meaning "watchers" or "guards" in Hebrew, operates community safety patrols six nights a week, resting only for Shabbat and High Holidays. Volunteers wear stab-proof vests and yellow caps, and they work in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, though they have no legal powers. The organisation is a registered charity funded entirely privately, with no government support.
Established in 2008 following a spate of burglaries, Shomrim NW London now provides 24-hour emergency response. Volunteers undergo training from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command and are DBS checked. They patrol areas including Golders Green, Childs Hill, Hendon, Finchley, and Temple Fortune.
Rising Antisemitism and Calls for Government Support
Shomrim officer Ben Grossnass, 40, has responded to numerous attacks recently, including the blowing up of four private Jewish ambulances near the scene of the latest attack. He believes Shomrim is needed more than ever due to rising antisemitism. "There is a lot of hate in society and antisemitism. We're currently really stretched," he said.
Grossnass called for government financial assistance, noting that Shomrim has never received government funding despite 17 years of service. "It's time they put their hand in their pocket and assisted us the way we need it," he added.
Shomrim North West London stated on X: "The incident has now been declared a terrorist attack... This marks the second terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community in the UK within seven months. In addition to the numerous arson attacks against the Jewish community in NW London in recent weeks. Our brave colleagues acted swiftly, together with police, helping detain the suspect."
Shomrim's Role in the Community
Shomrim specialises in hate crimes, child safeguarding, and missing persons. Their website notes that in most cases where they secure a conviction, the victim was not Jewish. They provide support to all community members regardless of ethnicity or religion.
"Shomrim proactively patrol and operate primarily in the areas of Golders Green, Childs Hill, Hendon, Finchley and Temple Fortune with nightly hi-vis patrolling vehicles that serve as a deterrent for criminals," the website states. Volunteers act as an extension of the police, reporting suspicious incidents and preserving evidence until officers arrive.
Last year, Shomrim facilitated 22 arrests following antisemitic incidents, with 11 resulting in prosecutions. Victims supported by Shomrim are more likely to see perpetrators brought to justice than the national average.
