Rob Rinder has condemned a terror attack in which two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, as the culmination of 'months of poison that downplays anti-Semitism.' The barrister and television presenter, 47, took to social media just hours after attending a memorial service for victims of the Manchester synagogue attack, describing the incident as 'terrorism' and lamenting an environment where 'hostility feels normal.'
Attack Details
The attack occurred around 11:15 am on Highfield Avenue, where a knifeman stabbed a 76-year-old Jewish man at a bus stop before chasing a second victim, aged 34, down a street. Both victims are in stable condition in hospital. A 45-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after attempting to stab police officers; he was Tasered and detained. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident has been formally declared a terrorist attack, with Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stating that one line of inquiry is whether the attack 'deliberately targeted the Jewish community.'
Reactions from Public Figures
Rinder, who is Jewish, wrote on social media: 'Yesterday I was at Heaton Park Synagogue, remembering Jews murdered by a terrorist. Today, Jews are stabbed on a London street. More terrorism. This does not come out of nowhere. It follows months of poison that downplays antisemitism, treats Jewish fear as suspect and turns public space into a place where that hostility feels normal. We're told "antisemitism has no place in our society." Then act like it.'
Countdown's Rachel Riley accused politicians of having 'stoked the crisis,' while finance expert Martin Lewis expressed horror and fear, urging the UK to remain a tolerant society. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis stated that 'words of condemnation are no longer sufficient' and called for 'meaningful action.'
Context of Rising Antisemitism
The attack comes after a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community, including the firebombing of community ambulances in Golders Green last month and the fatal stabbing of two Jewish men at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester in October. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) announced a 'national emergency' rally outside Downing Street, demanding the Prime Minister outline a plan to tackle antisemitism. The CAA stated: 'Six months ago we stood outside Downing Street after the fatal terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. Things have only got worse. More Jews attacked. Synagogues burned. More lives at risk.'
Police Investigation
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, with officers working to establish the suspect's nationality and background. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: 'Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack. We are grateful to officers who swiftly Tasered and arrested the suspect before he could cause further harm.' The suspect remains in police custody, and authorities are providing additional support and reassurance to the Jewish community.
