'We stand in unity': Leeds faith leaders speak against 'hatred and violence' after Golders Green attack

Faith leaders in Leeds have together spoken out against “hatred and violence” following the suspected terror attack in Golders Green.

The incident in north London saw two Jewish men - 34-year-old Shilome Rand and 76-year-old Moshe Ben Baila, named locally as Moshe Shine –taken to hospital after being stabbed on Wednesday morning.

A 45-year-old man, said by police to be a Somali-born British national, was arrested following the incident.

It was the latest in a number of attacks on Jewish sites in London which have included an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances and attempted arson attacks at synagogues.

The Leeds Faith Forum, made up of faith leaders from the Church of England, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Roman Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist and Pagan communities, have released a statement following the attack.

They said: “As citizens of Leeds representing faith communities from across our city we stand in unity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in expressing our shock and distress at the attacks which have taken place in London.

“Together we express with one voice our deep sadness and sorrow that yet again we have seen vicious anti-semitism on the streets of our country and that Jews have yet again been the target of hatred.

“Earlier this week, many of us took part in an inter-faith event where we expressed our thankfulness for one another, our valued relationships and the co-operation between us in building community together in a city which is home to us all and committed to continued support of one another.

“We stand united in solidarity against such hatred and violence and join our voices in prayer and compassion for all who are feeling fear this night as a result of these attacks. Our voices are united with theirs this night in lament and sorrow.”

It comes as police in Leeds increased patrols at the city’s synagogues and Jewish schools.

Leeds City Council said officers providing visible reassurance and engagement, supported by council colleagues and other key partners, “recognising that serious incidents like this cause understandable fear and distress”.

A council spokesperson added: “Leeds City Council stands against hatred and violence in all its forms. We will continue working with partners to ensure all our communities feel safe, supported and protected.

“Acts that target or intimidate any community, whether through hate, hostility or violence, have no place in society.”