A peaceful spring morning in Golders Green, a vibrant hub of London’s Jewish community, descended into chaos as a knife-wielding man targeted residents on the streets.
The Stalker Emerges
Security camera footage captures a heavy-set man in a blue puffer jacket and backpack jogging along Highfield Avenue near a synagogue at 11:15 a.m. He trails a Jewish man in traditional attire, who remains unaware. Moments later, another man in similar dress crosses his path, triggering a violent outburst.
First Assault on Shloime Rand
Partially hidden by a tree, the attacker lunges at Shloime Rand, 34, outside a synagogue. Rand calls for help as the knifeman strikes before he breaks free. Witness Moishe Geller describes the scene: “The attacker walked up Golders Green Road and suddenly lunged at Mr. Rand outside the shul. Mr. Rand didn’t realize at first. He went inside, called the Jewish police, and only saw the blood when he touched his chest.”
Second, Brutal Attack on Moshe Shine
Five minutes later, at 11:20 a.m., the suspect strikes again 400 yards away. CCTV shows 76-year-old Moshe Shine adjusting his kippah at a bus stop, shopping bag in hand. The attacker grabs his collar, delivering forceful blows to his head, face, and neck. They stumble into the road, dislodging Shine’s kippah, which blows away in the breeze. Witnesses rush to help as blood pours from Shine’s neck.
Pizza shop worker Tariq Aziz assisted Shine: “He came to our shop, and I gave him a tissue. He was bleeding heavily after being stabbed at least twice.” Aziz pointed out the suspect to arriving police.
Police Confrontation and Arrest
Mobile footage shows the suspect approaching officers with the knife, refusing commands and shouting. Officers, using Tasers, detain him with help from a passerby. Bodycam images capture the moment of his apprehension, blade still in hand.
Met Commissioner Mark Rowley states: “Officers confronted a man they believed to be a terrorist, who refused to show his hands and was violent. These were not armed officers, and they feared he carried an explosive device. Using only their training, courage, and Tasers, they detained him.”
Community Response and Shomrim Involvement
Local Jewish security group Shomrim responded swiftly to reports of a knife-wielding man targeting people. Isaac Cohen, from a car, spotted the attacker chasing Jewish men: “We turned the car, followed him, and screamed warnings to save people. He targeted Jewish individuals, running after them when he saw one.”
They warned 29-year-old mother Daniela, who sheltered in a bookshop: “We heard screams, ‘He’s got a knife – run!’ A man in a car said someone was stabbed. We locked the door and watched him pass. As Jews here, we no longer feel safe.”
Shomrim’s Ben Grossnass arrived within 90 seconds: “He stabbed outside the synagogue on Highfield Avenue, then down Golders Green Road, targeting a visibly Jewish man.” Volunteer Yonathan Elkouby helped restrain him: “I held his legs and one hand after tasering. Protections exist, but not enough to prevent this.”
Victims’ Conditions and Investigation
Both victims remain hospitalized in stable condition. A close friend of Shine notes serious neck wounds: “He waited for the bus after prayers. He’s a quiet man who bothers no one.” Shloime Rand’s sister adds: “The knife nearly ruptured vital organs. He was attacked solely for being Jewish. Antisemitism targets us constantly.”
Police arrested a 45-year-old man with a history of serious violence and mental health issues on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident is under investigation as terror-related. Crowds gathered, chanting slogans, amid a strong police presence.
Weeks prior, four Hatzola ambulances—first responders to such emergencies—were set alight nearby, heightening community concerns.
