Alarm in a European country: Will a terrorist attack occur?

According to the statement, the decision was made following a stabbing attack in the London neighborhood of Golders Green, but also due to a broader rise in threats from Islamist and far-right terrorism, originating from individuals and small groups within the country, as published on the website of the Government of the United Kingdom.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described yesterday’s attack as a “heinous act of antisemitic terrorism” and stated that the government will do everything to protect the Jewish community and combat antisemitism.

She added that the state will increase funding for the security of Jewish communities, including an additional £25 million (around €30 million) for policing and the protection of synagogues, schools, and community centers.

Total funding for this purpose will reach £58 million (around €68 million) this year, representing the highest investment to date. Part of the funds will also be directed toward expanding the Project Servator, which involves deploying specially trained police officers within communities.

“The government today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools, and community centers. We will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism,” Mahmood said.

She called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that security services are working continuously to protect the country.

Starmer also responds

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the state will use “all available means” to combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community, urging the public to recognize the fear and suffering faced by its members.

He spoke from Downing Street, a few hours after being booed by a group of protesters during a visit to Golders Green, according to the London Evening Standard.

Police stated that the suspect in the attack had previously been involved in a program for preventing extremism, but that process had been closed the same year.

The terrorism threat level in the United Kingdom was last at “severe” in November 2021, following the bombing outside a hospital in Liverpool and the killing of MP David Amess, before being lowered in early 2022.