A victim of a suspected terror attack in Golders Green has described his survival as a "miracle" while speaking from his hospital bed. Shilome Rand, 34, was stabbed in the chest as he left a synagogue on Wednesday, 29 April, in a suspected antisemitic attack. The second victim, Moshe Shine, 76, was attacked at a bus stop and also rushed to hospital.
Survivor's Account
Mr Rand, who remains in hospital recovering, told ITV News: "People are really concerned, people are afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the street, people are blaming obviously the government for not doing anything about what's going on." He added: "It's for the past few months really that our community is suffering from these type of attacks. And now it's going on and trying to take people's lives and it's really terrible." Mr Rand criticised the government, stating: "The government, they are the ones that are able to take care of the problems. And they are not doing their job."
Medical Update
Although doctors initially feared Shilome would need emergency surgery, medical staff subsequently established that his injury was less severe than originally thought. "Thanks to God that I am recovering, and the wound isn't so bad as they initially thought," he said. "I am here and I can talk, and it's really a miracle that has happened to me today."
Attack Details
The stabbings occurred shortly after 11am on Wednesday in Golders Green, north London. Disturbing footage of the incident shows the suspect walking casually before suddenly turning on the elderly man at a bus stop and carrying out the assault. Further footage captures the suspect moving towards two Metropolitan Police officers and a Shomrim Jewish security organisation volunteer, wielding a knife. An officer deployed Pava spray in an attempt to subdue him before the suspect was brought down with a Taser, according to The Guardian. The suspect collapses onto the pavement as officers kick him in the head, shouting at him to "drop the knife", while attempting to restrain his hands behind his back with handcuffs. A member of the public appears to assist the two officers, at one point even sitting on top of the suspect.
Government Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: "The antisemitic attack in Golders Green is utterly appalling. Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain." Following the attack, the Prime Minister called an emergency Cobra crisis committee meeting, pledging swift action: "I'm holding a meeting tomorrow with the criminal justice agencies to make sure that we have effective and swift justice in these cases." He added: "But we do have to recognise the levels of anxiety and concern there are, that I know about in terms of the Jewish community feeling very much exposed and vulnerable, feeling they've got to hide their identity, sometimes in the health service, sometimes at school, on the streets where they live."
The stabbings come amid a series of arson attacks aimed at London's Jewish community, raising concerns about rising antisemitism.
