Fears raised that Iranian-funded terror groups will target British Jews around the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel – as Jewish charity and police launch ‘largest-ever’ security for high holy days

A Jewish charity is launching its ‘largest ever’ security operation in partnership with police amid fears Iranian-funded terror groups will attack British Jews around the anniversary of the Hamas-led massacre in Israel.

Israel’s National Security Council warned that “efforts to carry out attacks on Israeli/Jewish targets abroad are expected to intensify” around October 7 – a date that also coincides with four of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar.

It comes amid record levels of anti-Semitism across Britain, including incidents of physical violence, desecration of property and online abuse.

Last night the Community Security Trust issued a comprehensive security alert to British Jews warning of possible revenge attacks against the community following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.

They warned that “Hezbollah and Iran have a long track record of terrorist attacks on Jewish communities in the Diaspora” and therefore urged the gatherings to “keep the gates and doors of the synagogue closed” and that people ‘quickly disperse’ once religious services are over.

A man dances in a synagogue during the celebration of Simchat Torah

A Jewish man holds a Torah scroll during the Simhat Torah celebration in the Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, north of Tel Aviv, on September 26, 2013

In the event of an emergency, Jews “must know how to lock up and barricade,” the notice said.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has said that uniformed and plainclothes officers will ‘patroll key areas in increased numbers’ to try to protect the community from any threats.

A spokesperson for CST told the Mail: ‘The High Holy Days are always a sensitive period for the Jewish community, and they now coincide with the anniversary of the horrific Hamas terror attack on October 7.

“CST will mount its largest ever High Holy Days security operation during this extended period, working closely with police across the country to enable our community to observe these important festivals.”

Scotland Yard said: ‘Since October 7, 2023, we have seen a worrying increase in anti-Semitic hate crime, as well as the ever-present threat of extremism and terrorism.

‘Officers have worked closely with community members and key partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide advice, reassurance and a visible presence.’

On Wednesday, Israel’s National Security Council warned that there is an “increased risk” of attacks during the Jewish High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Jews dance with Torah scrolls during the Simhat Torah celebration in the Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, north of Tel Aviv, on October 8, 2012

People attend a Shabbat service in Miami Beach, Florida on September 27

It stated: ‘We expect that October 7, 2024 will be an important date for terrorist organizations (and in particular Hamas and Global Jihad factions).

‘The high motivation among terrorist organizations (Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Global Jihad) in addition to the anti-Israeli, anti-Jewish, hate-filled atmosphere in many countries since the start of the war, significantly increases the likelihood of lone wolf attackers. grassroots organizations or organized terrorist groups that carry out attacks on Israelis/Jews abroad.”

The Jewish New Year – ‘Rosh Hashanah’ – begins on October 2 and ends on October 4.

Last year’s devastating attacks also took place on the morning of ‘Simchat Torah’, a Jewish festival that falls on October 25 this year.

Security expert Eyal Pinko, who spent 30 years in the Israeli Navy and Intelligence Service, explained: “Iranian terrorist organizations see attacking Jewish targets as a way to take revenge on Israel.

A man hands out prayer books during a Shabbat service on September 27

‘Jewish community centers in Europe are seen as a ‘soft spot’ because they are very vulnerable.

“But the cooperation between the British and Israeli intelligence services is very good and if there is Israeli intelligence about an attack in Britain then this information will certainly be shared.”

Several potential terror attacks have already been thwarted in Europe thanks to intelligence shared by Israeli secret services.

David Collins, Chief Operating Officer of the United Synagogue, a union of British Orthodox synagogues representing the central Orthodox movement, said: ‘Unfortunately, the United Synagogue has to worry about the safety of its communities, synagogues, daycare centers and cemeteries. .

‘The charity spends £1,000,000 a year on security.’

On October 7, more than 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed by Hamas terrorists and more than 240 hostages were kidnapped.