Shliach Brutally Attacked Near His Shul in UK

Rabbi Rafi Goodwin the Shliach in Chigwell, Essex, UK, has been brutally attacked near his Shul, Times of Israel reported.

Rabbi Goodwin was taken to King George’s Hospital with cuts to the top of his head and around one eye after being set upon by two youths around the Limes Estate, members of his community have been told. His injuries were being assessed.

The attack comes amid an upsurge in antisemitism on the streets of London since the start of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas.

But an email to members this evening said: “From the description of how the incident started, it does not, at this point appear to be an antisemitic attack.” It added that those on the estate had been “extremely supportive” and sent many messages of sympathy, Times of Israel reported.

The community’s security officer, nevertheless, said he couldn’t stress enough how vigilant people should be and suggested members don’t walk to and from synagogue alone.

Rabbi Moshe Freedman tweeted: “Please pray for my dear friend and colleague Rabbi Rafi Goodwin who has been brutally attacked this morning near to his synagogue in Chigwell. His Hebrew name is Harav Yirmiyahu Pesach ben Kreina Deborah.”