Britain’s King agrees to patronize Jewish security organization

British King Charles III. Photo: www.dw.com

On March 24, 2026, King Charles III agreed to become patron of the Community Security Trust (CST), one of the organizations responsible for protecting Jewish communities in the United Kingdom, Reuters reported. The charity advises Britain’s estimated 280,000 Jews on security and safety matters.

The CST said the monarch’s decision reflected his “longstanding commitment” to promoting tolerance, inclusion, and interfaith dialogue. Buckingham Palace did not comment publicly on the appointment. Reuters noted that the move was not presented as a direct response to the latest attack, though it came amid heightened concern over rising antisemitism in Britain.

The king’s new role was confirmed a day after an arson attack in north London, where unknown assailants set fire to four ambulances belonging to a Jewish emergency service. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply shocking.” Police are examining a possible link to an Islamist group with Iranian ties, and London police chief Mark Rowley said counterterrorism officers are involved in the investigation.

Charles has previously met regularly with representatives of different religious communities. Last year, he visited a synagogue in northern England after an attack in which two Jewish worshippers were killed. At the time, he said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by what had happened.

According to CST data cited by Reuters, concern over antisemitism in Britain has surged since October 7, 2023, and last year was the country’s second worst on record for antisemitic incidents.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Sarah Mullally had officially become Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England.

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