The Birmingham Jewish community has been left shaken and “filled with fear” following a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London, that hospitalised two Jewish men on Wednesday, April 29. Ruth Jacobs, chair of the Jewish representative council for Birmingham and the West Midlands, spoke out about the lingering impact the incident has had on local residents, despite the distance from Birmingham.
The attack, which police described as a terror incident, targeted Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. Jacobs revealed to BirminghamLive the wave of shock and vulnerability that has since spread through Birmingham’s Jewish community.
“Although the attack wasn’t local, the sense of fear and vulnerability has certainly permeated our community,” Jacobs said. She expressed gratitude for the support provided by West Midlands Police in protecting community members and buildings, while acknowledging that safety during daily activities remains a significant concern.
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“We appreciate the police efforts, but it doesn’t fully erase the fear of simply walking in the streets, as shown by what happened to those two men,” she added.
Jacobs emphasised the critical role of community cohesion in uniting people from all backgrounds and highlighted the need for education and enhanced civic ethics throughout society. She insisted that acts of hatred and physical violence must be unequivocally rejected by all communities.
“Anti-Semitism is alarming right now, but we must also recognize that other communities face discrimination—sometimes less visible—but all forms of hatred must be addressed,” Jacobs stated.
Calling for a collective societal shift, she urged leaders from every faith and cultural group to vocally oppose violence and hatred. “Messages from policing or government—though important—cannot alone guarantee physical safety,” she said. “It requires a deep-rooted, long-term approach that involves every part of British society working together.”
Jacobs stressed the importance of mindful language and measured responses rather than emotionally driven reactions to prevent further violence.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the Golders Green stabbing, she expressed hope that the community’s initial shock will lead to meaningful change.
“People have reached out expressing their shock, but shock alone isn’t enough. We need to transform that feeling into concrete action that reduces isolation and fear,” she explained. “Other communities must stand with us to build a safer environment for everyone.”
In concluding, Jacobs underscored the necessity of unity and proactive efforts to foster a society free from hatred and violence.