We hope he will be home in time for Shabbat, says attack victim’s mother

We hope he will be home – Golders Green, a bustling area in north-west London, has become the center of a tragic event that has left the local Jewish community shaken. Two men were stabbed during an attack that occurred shortly after they exited Hagers Shul, a prominent synagogue in the neighborhood. Among the victims is Shloime Rand, a 34-year-old man whose mother shared her concerns with the BBC, expressing hope that he would recover in time for the weekly Jewish day of rest, Shabbat, which begins each Friday evening.

A sudden act of violence

The incident unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, as the two men left the synagogue following morning prayers. Shloime Rand, who resides in Stamford Hill, north London, was reportedly in stable condition at the hospital. His mother, who has requested anonymity, described her son’s situation to the BBC, emphasizing the devastation of witnessing such an attack in a community known for its peaceful nature. “He’s in a stable condition,” she said, “but as a mother, I’m pretty horrified that these things could happen in the streets of London, in an innocent community where we try our best not to hurt anyone.”

Shine, a 76-year-old man, suffered more severe injuries. His family and neighbors have shared their admiration for his character, highlighting his reputation as a quiet, honest individual deeply rooted in Jewish traditions. A source familiar with Shine’s background noted that he lived in Hendon and was originally from the Jewish community in Prestwich, Greater Manchester. “He’s a very nice, quiet, honest person,” they said, “who is scholarly and studies a lot.” The attack, which targeted the two men within minutes of each other, has been officially classified as a terrorist incident by the Metropolitan Police.

The suspect and his background

The suspect, a 45-year-old man, was apprehended by police on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. CCTV footage from Wednesday morning captured the incident, showing the attacker moving quickly between the two victims. According to the police, the suspect is a British national born in Somalia. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed his legal entry into the UK as a child, underscoring his status as a lawful resident. The Metropolitan Police also revealed that the suspect had been referred to the government’s counter-terrorism Prevent programme in 2020, though the referral was closed that same year.

Rabbi Levi Schapiro, a representative of the Jewish Community Council, visited both victims in hospital on Wednesday. In his statement to the BBC, he highlighted the severity of Shine’s injuries but remained optimistic about his recovery. “Shine’s condition is more critical, but doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery,” Schapiro noted. He also described Rand as a “living miracle,” stressing that the timing of the wounds could have been fatal. “He could have easily died because of where his wounds were,” the rabbi added, reflecting on the harrowing nature of the attack.

Community reflections and personal accounts

Friends of Shloime Rand have praised his character, offering insights into his personality and daily routine. One of his acquaintances, who identified themselves as Eli V, 42, called him “a terrific guy,” emphasizing his kindness and quiet demeanor. Another friend, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that Rand was heading to work after his morning prayers when the attack occurred. “He’s a sincere, quiet gentleman. A very intelligent guy,” they said, underscoring the sense of normalcy that was disrupted by the violence.

The attack has sparked a wave of concern and solidarity within the Jewish community. Local residents and officials have expressed their shock at the incident, which occurred in a place they had long considered safe. The timing of the attack, coinciding with the start of Shabbat, has added a layer of poignancy, as the weekly day of rest is meant to symbolize peace and reflection. “Shloime was walking on the street minding his own business,” his mother recounted, “and I was able to see him yesterday. Thank God, he was conscious the whole time.” Her words reflect the emotional toll of the event, as well as the hope that the victims will soon return to their families.

Rabbi Schapiro, who has been closely involved with the victims’ care, stressed the importance of community resilience in the face of such attacks. “It’s a reminder that even in the most familiar places, danger can emerge unexpectedly,” he observed. The rabbi’s visit to the hospital not only provided spiritual comfort but also served as a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting those affected. His comments, however, also raised questions about the broader security threats facing Jewish areas in London.

Investigation and legal implications

Following the attack, police detained the suspect, who was initially taken to the hospital before being transferred to a London police station. The man’s background as a British national with Somali heritage has been noted, and his connection to the Prevent programme adds context to the incident. While the referral was closed in 2020, it remains unclear whether it was related to his activities prior to the attack.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated as a terrorist act, which has prompted further scrutiny of the suspect’s motives and potential links to extremist groups. The fact that the attack occurred in a public space, with two individuals seemingly targeted without warning, has raised alarm about the possibility of coordinated attacks in the city. The community is now awaiting more details from the investigation to understand the full scope of the event.

As the victims continue their recovery, the focus has shifted to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in London. Rabbi Schapiro and other leaders are calling for increased vigilance and support, while also emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity. “This is not just a personal tragedy, but a reminder of the vulnerability of our community,” he said. The mother of Shloime Rand, still grappling with the shock of the attack, has urged people to remember the importance of Shabbat as a time for healing and renewal. “I pray that he will be home for Shabbat,” she said, “and that we can return to the peace we once had.”

The attack has also reignited discussions about the role of counter-terrorism measures in preventing such incidents. While the suspect’s referral to the Prevent programme was closed, it raises questions about how effectively these initiatives are identifying potential threats. Community leaders and officials are now working to ensure that the lessons learned from this event are applied to future security strategies.

In the wake of the attack, the Jewish community in London is coming together to support the victims and their families. Local organizations have launched initiatives to raise awareness and funds for recovery, while also advocating for stronger protections. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, even in areas where such violence was once thought unlikely. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that the victims will soon return to their routines and that the attacker’s intentions will be fully understood.

The attack’s timing, just after the men left the synagogue, underscores the symbolic significance of the location. Golders Green, known for its vibrant Jewish culture, has now become a focal point for discussions about security and community safety. The victims’ stories, as told by their loved ones, highlight the personal impact of the violence and the resilience of those who remain. As the world watches, the Jewish community in London stands united, determined to overcome this challenge and keep their traditions alive.