Surge in European Antisemitic Attacks Linked to Iran-Backed Online Group HAYI

HAYI claimed responsibility for at least 17 antisemitic incidents in the UK and Belgium in spring 2026, including arson at Kenton United Synagogue (23 Mar), four Hatzolah ambulances (23 Mar), Finchley Reform Synagogue and Iran International offices (15 Apr), a car fire in Antwerp’s Jewish quarter (23 Mar), and the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green (29 Apr).

CNN

The group surfaced on Telegram in March 2024, advertising “agents” and “anyone who can harm Israeli interests.” Posts offered cash for anti-U.S. posters and $33,000 for an alleged Israeli reservist assassination.

CNN

Security analysts link HAYI to Iran-backed Shia militias, the IRGC and Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah, describing it as a front that lets Tehran claim attacks.

CNNThe Jerusalem Post

Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned any foreign state fomenting “violence, hatred or division” will not be tolerated. Vicki Evans said police are probing “recruiting violence as a service.” The Iranian embassy denied involvement. MI5 reported disrupting 20 Iran-backed plots by 2025. Belgian police reinforced Antwerp synagogue security. Four suspects were charged for the ambulance arson, three for the Iran International arson, and Essa Suleiman for the Golders Green stabbing; ages 16-20.

CNN

Shadow security minister Alicia Kearns warned IRGC-linked actors are “recruiting anyone they can,” highlighting criminal-network risks. Human-rights observers warned that “gig-economy terrorism” erodes accountability.

CNN

The Kenton synagogue’s medical room was “charred black,” prompting fear of loss of life. The synagogue installed panic alarms, CCTV and reinforced doors; volunteers increased patrols.

CNN

CNN could not verify a link between the Telegram channels and Iranian state actors, and HAYI’s claims appear after attacks, leaving uncertainty about real-time coordination. No Iranian nationals have been charged.

CNN

• “You’ve got a potential model where at the very top you have the IRGC or IRGC-linked organizations,” — Roger Macmillan, former head of security, Iran International

CNN

• “Part of the appeal to this is they don’t have to rely on ideologically loyal and core networks that would directly track back to them,” — Phillip Smyth, Shia-militia analyst

CNN

• “Harakat Ashab al-Yamin’s claims and statements are consistently circulated first on ‘pro-resistance’ Iraqi Telegram channels, undermining the notion that this propaganda is some kind of Israeli or Western psy-op intended to cover for false-flag attacks against Jewish targets in the West.” — Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, Middle East Forum expert

The Jerusalem Post

• “One intelligence officer colorfully observed to me: the difference between utilizing such individuals and sending state employees is like the difference between using a piloted aircraft or a drone.” — Unnamed intelligence officer (quoted in JPost)

The Jerusalem Post

British officials are reviewing legislation to designate HAYI as a terrorist organization. Security services continue monitoring Telegram recruitment, while European police pledge joint operations to disrupt further “gig-economy” attacks. Jewish communities are bolstering security and urging diplomatic pressure on Tehran.

The Jerusalem Post