Shomrim organisations operate in Jewish communities around the world with the north-west London branch being established in 2008 and now operating community safety patrols six nights a week, resting only for Shabbat and High Holidays
Shomrim patrol volunteer Yonathan Elkouby helped stop the suspect
The Golders Green suspect was arrested by police with help from a hero patrol officer from the Jewish community safety group Shomrim.
Volunteer Yonathan Elkouby joined two Metropolitan police officers in wrestling the alleged knifeman to the ground after two people were stabbed outside a synagogue on Wednesday.
He has told how he locked eyes with the man, saying: “I managed to block him off, and with the police, we managed to put him down. “At one point, he made eye contact with me, and came at me.”
Shomrim, Hebrew for “watchers” or “guards”, are often compared to a private police force due their uniforms, which can include stab-proof vests and yellow caps. They carry out regular patrols in parts of north and east London and operate a 999-style 24-hour emergency line.
But, although they say they work in conjunction with the Met Police, they have no legal powers and are a registered charity, which is funded entirely privately, with no government help. They are a Jewish run group, but can be called for help by any member of the community, regardless of their religion.
Shomrim organisations operate in Jewish communities around the world. The Shomrim NW London branch was established in 2008 following a large spate of burglaries and crime in the area.
It now operates community safety patrols six nights a week, resting only for Shabbat and High Holidays, with volunteers completing training from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command.
It says its organisation is staffed by unpaid male and female volunteers who give their time to patrol the local neighbourhood, “facilitating the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of criminals every year”.
Shomrim officer Ben Grossnass , 40, has been called out to a number of serious reports of attacks in recent months, including the blowing up of four private Jewish ambulances close to the scene of today’s attack.
He believes Shomrim, who specialise in dealing with hate crimes, child safeguarding and missing people, is needed more than ever. Ben said: “There is a lot of hate in society and antisemitism. We’re currently really stretched with the ongoing uptake of antisemitism, but we are here for the safety of the community.
“There are ways the Government can crack down on this and it is time they did that. We’ve been around as a local organisation assisting the police with different investigations and situations that take place on our streets in London for 17 years.
“Currently and never have we been supported financially by the government. We are extremely stretched, we are a good resource for them, especially for our local community. It’s time they put their hand in their pocket and assisted us the way we need it.”
Ben, who describes his work helping keep people safe as “his passion”, added: “People have got to really speak up and make sure they’re heard and the government should be standing shoulder to shoulder with our community ensuring safety.”
The dad-of-four admits he is fearful for his children in Britain. Asked if he believes they have a safe future, he admitted: “I’m not sure of that. No one’s sure of anything, but we will be more certain if the government are there to assist us.”
Writing on Shomrim North West’s official X account, a spokesperson said: “The incident has now been declared a terrorist attack by @TerrorismPolice. This marks the second terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community in the UK within seven months.
“In addition to the numerous arson attacks against the Jewish community in NW London in recent weeks. Our brave @ShomrimLondon colleagues acted swiftly, together with @metpoliceuk, helping detain the suspect and ensure a swift arrest. Shomrim, London North and East will be increasing patrols and security, working closely with police and partners. If you see something, say something. Please report anything suspicious.”
Another message added: “Following today’s terror attack and the recent incidents in NW London, the work of Shomrim NW London is more vital than ever. Operating 24/7, we remain dedicated to protecting and supporting the community, relying heavily on the generosity of the public. Please consider supporting our essential work.”
Shomrim’s website says: “In the majority of cases where Shomrim have helped to secure a conviction, the victim of the crime was not Jewish. Members of the local Jewish community, especially for those whom Yiddish or Hebrew is their first language, often feel more comfortable calling Shomrim, than contacting the police. However, Shomrim’s Emergency Line is available to everyone, and each year, hundreds of people call to benefit from Shomrim’s fast response times and extensive knowledge of the local area.”
“One of Shomrim’s most important duties is helping victims of hate crimes, and assisting them through the process of bringing the perpetrators to justice. We are proud to say that last year we facilitated 22 arrests following anti-Semitic incidents, of which 11 resulted in prosecutions. Victims of antisemitic crimes who receive support from Shomrim are much more likely to see the perpetrators brought to justice than the national average.”
Outlining the training it’s volunteers receive, the website says: “All Shomrim volunteers go through an extensive screening and training process to ensure that they can cope with the pressure and act exclusively within the law. Every Shomrim volunteer receives training in counter-terrorism and first aid, as well as training on crime prevention by the Metropolitan police.
“All Shomrim volunteers are DBS checked. While on patrol, they wear stab-proof vests and carry an ID card, a two-way radio, and a first aid kit. Because of their unparalleled knowledge of the local area, our volunteers are able to gather evidence that would otherwise be unavailable to the police, as well as prevent crimes before they happen.
“While on patrol, Shomrim volunteers protect all members of the community, regardless of ethnicity or religion, creating an environment where local residents of diverse backgrounds know that Shomrim’s neighbourhood patrols can be relied on to act with professionalism and compassion.”
It adds: “Shomrim proactively patrol and operate primarily, but not exclusively in the areas of Golders Green, Childs Hill, Hendon, Finchley and Temple Fortune with nightly hi-vis patrolling vehicles that serve as a deterrent for criminals who may want to engage in criminal activity. Shomrim’s 24hr emergency response team are dispatched daily to incidents reported to our emergency number. Volunteers communicate through a pan London two way radio system via a central controller.
“Shomrim volunteers patrolling by foot and in vehicles serve and act as an extension to the Metropolitan Police Service eyes and ears by report suspicious incidents and crimes within the community to the Police. When Shomrim is dispatched to a scene of a crime, our volunteers then bridge the time gap between when Police are called and when Police attend.
“This enables Shomrim to follow suspects and preserve evidence until the arrival of Police. The visible patrol vehicle serves as a deterrent for criminals who may wish to operate in the area. Shomrim has the capability to deal with various scenarios including the locating of missing persons. Protocols are in place for full scale searches across the capital. Shomrim work very closely with other agencies and voluntary sector organisations.”
