Man Charged After Antisemitic Attacks on London Synagogues

Ionut-Cristian Bold, aged 37, faces multiple charges after a disturbing sequence of antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish sites in London's Golders Green. Between September 4 and 11, Bold allegedly applied a foul substance to several locations, including four synagogues and a private residence. In addition to these acts of vandalism, a liquid was reported to have been hurled at a local school and splattered on a vehicle parked near another synagogue.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security guidance to Jewish communities, confirmed that some of the materials used in these attacks were feces and urine, intensifying the nature of these crimes. The Metropolitan Police have condemned the acts, categorizing them as “appalling.” Detective Superintendent Katie Harber, who is overseeing the investigation, expressed her disgust at the “revolting and appalling acts” that occurred.

Bold, who does not have a fixed residence, has been charged with six counts related to racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, and one count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence. Furthermore, he faces additional charges for property destruction and possessing an article with the intent to cause damage. He is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court.

Authorities first received news about the religiously motivated vandalism tied to a synagogue on September 3. Following this, multiple reports emerged regarding similar offenses at various locations, culminating in a total of seven incidents connected to antisemitic behavior reported by police. Superintendent Zubin Writer, who oversees local policing in Barnet, Brent, and Harrow, emphasized the seriousness of these allegations and the ongoing support being offered to the local Jewish community.

The backdrop to these events includes a noted spike in antisemitism across the UK, driven by the reactions to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. The CST reported that 2024 has marked one of the worst years for antisemitism in the UK, with over 3,500 incidents recorded. Following the alarming pattern of attacks, CST spokespersons characterized the desecration of Jewish sites as abhorrent, contributing to feelings of anxiety and vulnerability within the community.