Shloime Rand, one of the two victims stabbed in the antisemitic terror attack in Golders Green this week, has said “it’s a very big miracle” he survived. Today we pray for Shloime, who is 34, and Moshe Shine, who is 76. Shloime was stabbed in his chest and said he is thankful to God that the attacker didn’t take his life. He is thankfully recovering from his injuries, but Moshe is understood to be in a serious condition, having been stabbed in the neck. His friends describe him as “very softly spoken and very generous. He never lost his temper or raised his voice.” He was waiting at the bus stop and was stabbed simply for being Jewish. Let us intercede for him in prayer.
Speaking from hospital, Shloime said “I feel like God’s given me back my life.” But he also said he would have been “even happier if nothing would have happened.” And this is the heart-breaking situation that the critical rise in Jew-hatred brings and where our praying leads us. We give thanks that there were not more victims – with appreciation for the bravery of the Shomrim personnel and police officers – and we join in giving thanks with Shloime for the protection of his life, but we also recognise that this threat SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.
Let us therefore pray against this evil stronghold of antisemitism that has gripped this land and declare that it has no right to exist.
As we pray, let us be mindful that the UK terrorism threat level has been raised from “substantial” to “severe” since the attack, although it is not only in relation to Wednesday’s attack. The government’s adviser on terrorism has said that attacks on Jewish people in the UK are “the biggest national security emergency” in almost a decade and that British Jews are “now thinking they cannot live a normal life” in the UK. The Chief Rabbi has said that the Golders Green attack “proves that if you are visibly Jewish, you’re not safe and far more needs to be done.” On Monday, the Iranian embassy issued an outrageous appeal for Iranians in the UK to register for “martyrdom” with a special emphasis on “children.” This week has also seen the number of arson attacks in recent weeks rise to five, with a sixth attack targeting a Golders Green street memorial in honour of victims of the Iranian regime.
It is important that the Jewish people in the UK know that they are not alone. As Christians we can play a part by speaking out against antisemitism, wherever we witness it. There are some practical things that must also be done: the government has been challenged about the hate-filled pro-Palestinian marches – some of which are planned during May. Pray that authorities will have boldness to stop the marches where Jews are blatantly vilified and where Israel is called to be destroyed. It has no place in Britain’s streets.
Pray also that the IRGC will be banned. CUFI UK has renewed our long-standing campaign by issuing a new letter that can be sent to MPs. Please pray that will be enacted – and soon.
It’s time to make it more difficult to be an antisemite in Britain than it is to be a Jew in Britain.
As the priestly blessing in Numbers 6 commands blessing upon the children of Israel, may this be our prayer for our Jewish brothers and sisters today:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’
