King Charles III Visits Golders Green Stabbing Victims, Voices Concern Over Rising Antisemitism

King Charles III visited Golders Green on Thursday to meet victims of the April 29 stabbings, including Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, also known as Norman Shine, at a Jewish Care charity centre. Shine, who was stabbed in the neck in the April attack, described the King as "inspiring" and said: "He was very concerned. He didn't let go of my hand, I mean it was amazing, he is the King but I felt a genuine warmth and concern."

Outside the centre, the King greeted well-wishers and told one man: "it's a dangerous world isn't it?" He later said to some waiting: "I hope I haven't disrupted your normal activities too much." The monarch also met Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who said the visit was "appreciated enormously." Sir Ephraim added: "Our Jewish community is simply overwhelmed. It's an enormous privilege and everyone is saying exactly the same thing - what an amazing day but what a sad day. So incredible that the King has made this gesture and so very sad that the reason for his coming is because of a terrorist action here on the streets of Golders Green."

At the Jewish Care centre, the King also met members of the first response medical and security teams who responded to the stabbings and when ambulances from the Jewish charity Hatzola were set alight. He spoke to members of the Jewish community volunteer group Shomrim, who were involved in the response. Gary Ost, from Shomrim, said: "He raised his concerns that he has regarding the rise in antisemitism, especially locally in the last few weeks. This is a strong message for each and every one of us; we feel that we are not alone here."

There have been a series of arson attacks against Jewish community buildings including synagogues. Police are investigating to see if there is a possible Iranian link. In relation to the stabbings, Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared in court on 1 May accused of two counts of attempted murder.