Golders Green Attack: Iran-Linked Group Eyed in Stabbings Targeting Jewish Men

A knife attack in Golders Green, London, left two Jewish men hospitalized, intensifying fears within the community. While an Iran-linked group, HAYI, claimed responsibility, police are skeptical, viewing the 45-year-old attacker, who has a history of violence and mental health issues, as likely opportunistic, despite HAYI's broader pattern of claiming antisemitic incidents across Europe.

Pelumi Ilesanmi • Global • 1 month ago • 2 minute read •

Key Points

• Two British Jewish men were stabbed in a Golders Green attack declared a terrorist incident by authorities.

• A 45-year-old Somali-born British national, known to police and the Prevent program, was arrested in connection with the stabbings.

• An Iran-linked terror group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), claimed responsibility for the attack, though counter-terror police express skepticism about direct Iranian state direction.

Golders Green Attack: Iran-Linked Group Eyed in Stabbings Targeting Jewish Men

A horrific knife attack in Golders Green, north London, on April 29 targeted two British Jewish men, Shloime Rand (34) and Moshe Shine (76), both of whom remain hospitalized in stable condition. The incident, swiftly declared a terrorist attack by authorities, involved a 45-year-old Somali-born British national who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. This individual is reportedly known to police and the government's Prevent deradicalisation program, possessing a documented history of serious violence and mental health issues.

Hours after the attack, an Iran-linked terror group identified as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) claimed responsibility via a Telegram channel. However, counter-terror police maintain skepticism, stating there is no initial evidence of Iranian state direction for this specific Golders Green attack, suggesting it was likely an opportunistic act. Despite this, HAYI's claim marks a significant escalation in its operational messaging, demonstrating a willingness to associate its brand with direct physical violence, even if it did not direct the attack.

The victims are deeply rooted in their community. Shloime Rand, an Orthodox Jew, was attacked moments after leaving morning prayer, with the knife coming within centimeters of his vital organs. His sister expressed profound shock and highlighted the constant antisemitic targeting the community endures, criticizing the government for its perceived failure to act. Moshe Shine was stabbed in the neck while waiting for a bus after morning prayer, a moment captured on CCTV. Friends described Mr. Shine as a