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In a deeply disturbing incident early Friday morning, intruders broke into the Gur Synagogue in north London, violating the sanctity of the space and desecrating Torah scrolls, leaving the Jewish community shaken amid an already volatile global climate.
The incident occurred around 7:08 a.m. on June 20, when police were called to the synagogue on Lampard Grove following reports of a burglary. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the building had been cordoned off and that forensic investigations are ongoing, but no arrests have been made as of now. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the police or the Community Security Trust (CST).
According to British media and social media posts, the synagogue’s Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh) was smashed open, and Torah scrolls — Judaism’s most sacred religious texts — were torn, their pages strewn across the floor. Personal lockers were ransacked and ritual items damaged or displaced. One photo circulating online shows a knife placed atop a pile of belongings, further amplifying communal alarm.
A shocking incident occurred overnight where the Gur Synagogue on Lampard Grove was vandalised with the Torah scrolls desecrated. pic.twitter.com/4L9R7HlIih
— In Stamford Hill (@instamfordhill) June 20, 2025
Despite the religious nature of the site and the desecration of sacred texts, police stated that there was “no indication” the attack was antisemitic — prompting concern and frustration among Jewish community leaders.
The Jewish Community Council of Stamford Hill condemned the break-in in the “strongest possible terms,” calling it a “devastating” attack on a house of worship.
“Any attack on a place of worship, of any kind, must be condemned,” the Council stated, while praising Shomrim and Hackney Police for their swift response.
The CST, which monitors antisemitism across the United Kingdom, described the break-in as an “appalling act of vandalism” and confirmed it is in contact with the synagogue and providing support.
We are aware of the appalling act of vandalism which has caused significant damage to a synagogue in Stamford Hill. We are in touch with the location and are providing support. We urge anyone with information to contact CST and the police as a matter of urgency.
— CST (@CST_UK) June 20, 2025
This latest incident comes amid a global surge in antisemitism, driven in part by the October 7 Hamas massacre and further inflamed by the war between Israel and Iran. Across Europe and beyond, synagogues and Jewish institutions have reported increased threats, vandalism, and violence.
While authorities have not classified this break-in as a hate crime, the religious symbolism and severity of the damage raise urgent questions about how such acts are interpreted and addressed.
In 2023 alone, CST recorded 3,528 antisemitic incidents in the UK — the second-highest total ever documented. That number has only continued to rise in the wake of mounting global tensions.
