KENTON UNITED SYNAGOGUE in Harrow, north-west London, was the site of another attempted arson attack on Saturday night. The incident resulted in minor smoke damage to an internal room. No injuries or significant structural damage were reported, according to the Community Security Trust (CST). This latest event adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting Jewish properties in the region.
The attack at Kenton United Synagogue occurred just hours after Counter Terror Police London announced an investigation into an antisemitic hate crime in Hendon. This related to an attempted arson at the former site of Jewish Futures on Friday night. While the Metropolitan Police are investigating the Hendon incident, they stated it is not being treated as terrorism, leaving the motive under consideration.
Escalating Attacks and Investigations
The attempted arson at Kenton United Synagogue follows similar incidents targeting Jewish sites in the area over the past month. Police presence was substantial at the Harrow location, with multiple marked and unmarked cars, a cordon, and forensics teams present.
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Earlier this week, on Wednesday, April 15th, two suspects, described as wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approached the Finchley Reform Synagogue. They allegedly threw two bottles, suspected to contain petrol, and a brick at the building. The bottles did not ignite, and no damage or injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Police have classified this incident as an antisemitic hate crime.
Arrests Made, Suspects Sought
Following the Finchley incident, London police arrested a 47-year-old woman in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life. Subsequently, a 46-year-old man and the 47-year-old woman were arrested in Watford in connection with the attack. Police were actively seeking two suspects in relation to the Finchley synagogue attack as of Wednesday afternoon.
Broader Context of Antisemitic Incidents
These attacks occur against a backdrop of reported increases in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Britain. Monitoring groups have noted a surge, particularly since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza began.
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In a separate incident earlier in March 2026, three individuals aged 17, 19, and 20 were charged in relation to an alleged arson attack that targeted Jewish community ambulances in north London. The Metropolitan Police reported that four ambulances were set ablaze in the Golders Green area.
Additionally, two Iranians reportedly appeared in court in London in March, accused of spying on the Jewish community on behalf of Tehran. In February, two men received life sentences after a separate plot, inspired by ISIS, to carry out a gun attack on a Jewish gathering in Manchester was foiled.
