Counterterrorism Investigation Launched After Arson Hits Historic London Synagogue Amid Rising Antisemitism

LONDON – Counterterrorism officials are currently investigating an arson attack that targeted a former synagogue in London, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting to address the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents that have sparked fear and outrage among the Jewish community.

The Metropolitan Police reported that while the gates and a lock at the front of the former synagogue in Whitechapel, East London, sustained some damage, no injuries were reported.

This incident follows a series of antisemitic attacks, including the torching of four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in March. More recently, a synagogue was the target of a firebombing, and multiple Jewish sites have faced attempted arsons. Just last week, two Jewish men suffered stab wounds in what authorities have labeled an act of terror.

Addressing community leaders, Starmer stated, “This is part of a disturbing trend of rising antisemitism that has left Jewish communities feeling scared, angry, and questioning the safety of their home country. These vile attacks are directed at British Jews, but they represent a crisis that affects us all.”

The Community Security Trust charity reports a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents across the U.K. since the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. The organization recorded 3,700 incidents in 2025, a sharp rise from the 1,662 incidents documented in 2022.

The wave of recent attacks have come since the Feb. 28 start of the Iran war and police are looking into whether they are the work of Iranian proxies.

A pro-Iran group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia — or Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right — has claimed responsibility for several of the attacks. It has also admitted being behind incidents in recent months at places of worship, business and financial institutions across Europe, all of which appear to be linked to Jewish or Israeli interests.

“One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents,” Starmer said. “Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated.”

Starmer promised to take action to tackle antisemitism, including requiring universities to publish the scale of the problem and take steps to stop it. Arts funding will be withdrawn from anyone promoting antisemitism.

Britain raised its terror threat level from substantial to severe — the second-highest on a five-point scale — after the stabbings. The rating means intelligence agencies consider an attack highly likely in the next six months.

The change was not solely due to the knifings but also “from Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the U.K,” the government said.