It's a miracle I survived, Golders Green victim tells BBC

A Jewish man who was stabbed in the recent Golders Green attack has expressed to the BBC, "it's a very big miracle" that he survived the incident.

During a conversation from his hospital bed, Shloime Rand stated, "I feel like God's given me back my life."

The 34-year-old was attacked along with 76-year-old Moshe Shine in north London on Wednesday.

Authorities have arrested 45-year-old Essa Suleiman from southeast London on suspicion of attempted murder, and he remains in custody.

Rand conveyed his gratitude that his injuries were not more severe.

"I would have been even happier if nothing had happened, but considering the circumstances, I'm very grateful that I survived and I can speak," he commented.

"I sustained a stab wound to my chest, and yes, my lungs will need time to recover."

He expressed hope of being discharged from the hospital "within the next few days."

'Thank God he didn't take my life'

Describing the events of Wednesday's attack, Rand recounted how he was walking down the street when the assailant approached and "just stabbed me in the chest."

"I was able to jump back, so thank God he didn't take my life," he remarked.

The police subsequently used a Taser to apprehend a man identified as Essa Suleiman, who emigrated to the UK from Somalia in the early 1990s.

The Metropolitan Police reported that Suleiman had a "history of serious violence and mental health issues," and he was referred to the government counter-terrorism Prevent programme in 2020. However, this referral was closed within the same year.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed that his government is committed to "doing everything in our power to stamp this hatred out" and pledged to enhance security measures.

When asked if sufficient action had been taken to address antisemitism, Rand remarked to the BBC, "definitely not," expressing that statements from No 10 were "not enough."

He stated, "It's terrible, and it can no longer be ignored by the government. When it reaches a point where people's lives are in danger, action must be taken."

Rand noted that he has friends who fear walking in the street and constantly survey their surroundings, unsure of the safety of their environment. "People are now afraid, and it's at a new level," he warned.

Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the UK's chief rabbi, has called for "meaningful action" to address the roots of antisemitism, while the representative body the Board of Deputies of British Jews emphasized the need for antisemitism to be "confronted, punished, and deterred with the full force of the state."

On Thursday, the government announced an additional £25 million for security enhancements in Jewish communities, bringing this year's total commitment to £58 million. This funding aims to increase police patrols and enhance protections around synagogues, schools, and community centers.