A senior police officer is urging charities to work alongside businesses, faith leaders and politicians to speak out against extremism following a spate of attacks on London’s Jewish community.

Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Matt Jukes has made the call following the attacks, which have taken place amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel and Iran.

The latest incidents include attacks in the Brent and Harrow area where a synagogue was targeted and bins were set alight outside a communal block. A Jewish business in Barnet was also targeted last week.

These follow an arson attack on a Jewish ambulance charity, where four vehicles run by the charity Hatzola were set alight and destroyed.

“London is better than this,” said Jukes.

“We should all be standing with our neighbours, and we need vigilance from every community in support of those who are being targeted.

“It means all communities speaking out against this antisemitism and intimidation, as well as people providing information to police that will help us tackle crime and deter terrorism.

“It also means the whole of society - across faiths, across politics, in charities and businesses –coming together to play their role in calling out extremism.”

Most of the attacks have been claimed online by the group Ashab al-Yamin (Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right), according to deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans.

“We will not rest until those responsible for these acts are held to full account. I would urge our communities to be alert to anything which doesn’t feel right – please report it to police. It could be vital to our investigation.”

Following the attack on Hatzola’s vehicles a fundraising campaign launched to help the charity secure new premises with added security. So far this has raised £1,877,401 of its £5m target.

Commenting on the recent attacks ACEVO chief executive Jane Ide said: “There is no place for such hatred or violence” adding that “it is the power of community, of civil society, of charities and voluntary groups and community leaders working together, that gives us strength, that brings light instead of pain and hope in place of fear”.

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