A 37-year-old man has been charged following a series of abhorrent antisemitic attacks on synagogues and Jewish premises in north London, prompting increased police patrols and community concern amid rising hate crimes in the UK.
A 37-year-old man has been charged following a series of disturbing antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish synagogues and other premises in the Golders Green area of Barnet, north London. Ionut-Cristian Bold faces multiple charges, including six counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, one count of harassment without violence, and additional charges related to property damage and possession of an article intended to cause damage. These offences occurred between early August and mid-September, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The attacks involved the smearing of a substance identified by community security groups as faeces and urine on four synagogues and a private residence, alongside an incident where a liquid was thrown at a Jewish school and over a car connected to another synagogue. These acts have been described by police as “revolting and appalling,” with Detective Superintendent Katie Harber emphasising the seriousness of the crimes and the ongoing investigation led by local officers.
The first reported incident took place on 3 September at a synagogue, followed by further defacements at a private property, additional synagogues, and a school over the subsequent weeks. Police responses were swift, and as a result of their inquiries, they linked a prior incident from 15 August involving a liquid attack on a vehicle linked to the Jewish community.
In response to the attacks, police have increased night patrols in Golders Green to provide additional reassurance to the Jewish community, which has expressed deep distress over the incidents. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that the escalation in policing is aimed at protecting local residents and deterring further offences.
These attacks add to a troubling national context of rising antisemitism in the UK. The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitic incidents, reported that 2024 was the second-worst year on record for such hate crimes, with over 3,500 incidents logged. The surge in antisemitism has been partly attributed to tensions following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.
Community leaders have condemned the attacks strongly. A CST spokesperson described the defilement of multiple Jewish sites as “utterly abhorrent and deeply distressing,” while the Campaign Against Antisemitism highlighted the anxiety and vulnerability felt by British Jews, who now feel unsafe even in their own neighbourhoods.
The police have urged the public to assist with the investigation and have assured the community of their commitment to tackling hate crime. Bold is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court soon, as authorities continue their work to bring full accountability for these appalling acts.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the earliest known publication date being 14 September 2025. No evidence of recycled or republished content was found. The report is based on a recent press release from the Metropolitan Police, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative includes updated data on the charges against Ionut-Cristian Bold, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Detective Superintendent Katie Harber and Shomrim spokespersons are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK news outlet. The Metropolitan Police, a credible law enforcement agency, is the primary source of information. The Community Security Trust (CST), a well-established Jewish security organisation, is also cited.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative’s claims are consistent with recent reports of antisemitic incidents in Golders Green, London. The charges against Ionut-Cristian Bold align with the nature of the attacks described. The tone and language are appropriate for the subject matter and region. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and sourced from reputable organisations. The claims are plausible and supported by specific details, with no evidence of disinformation or recycled content.
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