A horrific knife rampage against Jews came days after Green Party leader Zack Polanski suggested fears of anti-Semitic attacks may just be a ‘perception of unsafety’.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating after two Jewish men, one in his 70s and another in his 30s, were taken to hospital after the stabbings in Golders Green, north London.
The attacks happened a short distance from where four Jewish community ambulances were firebombed last month.
Police are also investigating recent arson attacks on two synagogues and a memorial wall.
But Mr Polanski told Israeli paper Haaretz on April 22 that, while he is worried about the rise in anti-Semitic attacks, the concerns about the risk level may be overblown.
‘We saw arson attacks on ambulances, we know that increasingly Jewish communities are feeling unsafe,’ he said.
‘There‘s a conversation to be had about whether it‘s a perception of unsafety or whether it’s actual unsafety, but neither is acceptable.‘
After the interview, Mr Polanski posted on X that Jewish communities are ‘living in fear’ amid rising anti-Semitism.
A photo of the scene in Golders Green today, with an ambulance parked alongside several police cars
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has suggested fears of antisemitic attacks may just be a ‘perception of unsafety’
But he added: ‘At the same time, anti-Semitism is being weaponised to shut down criticism of the Israeli government.’
After Sir Keir Starmer branded some of Mr Polanski’s comments as ‘disgraceful’, Mr Polanski accused the Prime Minister of ‘playing silly games with a really serious issue’ and said anti-Semitism should be treated with the ‘consideration and care and nuance that a really serious issue requires.’
Following the north London stabbings, Mr Polanski, who is Jewish and changed his name to reflect his heritage when he turned 18, posted online: ‘Horrendous attack in Golders Green.
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‘Thinking of the victims, their families and everyone who will once again be shaken by this attack.
‘Thank you to all of those involved with the emergency response.’
But there was a furious response from many who blamed widespread allegations of anti-Semitism in his party for worsening the situation for British Jews.
One tweeted sarcastically: ‘Don’t know why he’s worried, it’s probably just a perception of unsafety and a couple of unstabbings.’
Another even claimed: ‘Your leadership of the Green Party is the greatest current threat to the Jewish community.’
Mr Polanski has been a ferocious critic of Israel and members of his party have tried to pass a motion declaring ‘Zionism is racism’ – which would mean pro Israeli members of his own family would be branded racist if it were passed.
During the Hamas atrocities in Israel on October 7 2023, the now Green deputy leader Mothin Ali posted a video saying Palestinians had the right to ‘fight back’ and referred to Israel as a ‘settler, colonial, occupier’.
The Green Party was contacted for comment.
