Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley today met the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the London Jewish Forum and the Community Security Trust to discuss the security situation facing Jewish communities following a spate of arson attacks in the capital.
The meeting, convened by the Board of Deputies, focused on how the Metropolitan Police is responding to what appears to be a coordinated series of attacks, as well as the measures being put in place to protect the Jewish community going forward.
The meeting also addressed the police’s handling of public order incidents, and the new police powers coming in through the Crime and Policing Bill.
Participants emphasised the importance of clear communication with the community and visible reassurance measures during this period of heightened concern and expressed gratitude for the unprecedented level of engagement of the Met with the Jewish community, and particularly the CST.
The Board of Deputies was represented by President Phil Rosenberg, Vice President Karen Newman and Chief Executive Michael Wegier. The London Jewish Forum was represented by Co-Chairs Amanda Bowman and Michael Ziff. The CST was represented by its Director of Security.
Following the meeting, Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg said:
“We are grateful to Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for meeting us to discuss this alarming series of attacks targeting the Jewish community.
“We welcome the seriousness with which the Metropolitan Police is treating the situation, including the deployment of additional patrols, and the speed of the arrests of the suspected culprits.
“We sought clarity on how the Metropolitan Police intends to confront attacks that are clearly not isolated incidents but appear to be organised and externally influenced, including by possible foreign state actors.
“At this time of unprecedented challenge, it was welcome that all concerned clearly understand the threat and the cardinal importance of working together to confront and defeat this threat to our community, our city and our country”.
London Jewish Forum Co-Chair Amanda Bowman said: “Across London, there is a noticeable change in how Jewish residents are making choices about where they go and how visible they are. This reflects a pattern over time rather than any single incident, and it is affecting confidence across the city. Consistent and visible policing in every borough will be key to restoring that confidence in the weeks ahead.”