Israeli diplomats and Jewish organizations are applauding the efforts of British police, who this week arrested five people in connection with two bomb attacks against Jewish targets here last July.
Tuesday’s arrests came nearly six months after the July 26, 1994, terrorist bombing of the Israeli Embassy here and the bombing a day later of the offices of the Joint Israel Appeal. At least 18 people were injured in the two blasts.
An Israeli official expressed “sincere appreciation” to the British government and to Scotland Yard for their efforts in apprehending those believed responsible for the bombings.
The Jewish Board of Deputies also had words of praise for the investigators, saying the police were conducting the hunt for the bombers “in a thorough and tenacious manner.”
As police were questioning the suspects, the Board of Deputy’s Community Security Organization warned against any reduction in the current high state of alert against further acts of terrorism.
In a message sent to all Jewish communal organizations, the organization stressed: “There can be no relaxation of vigilance or protective security measures. The threat to Israeli and Jewish interests from those opposed to peace in the Middle East remains significant.”
The three male and two female suspects, rounded up in raids on their homes in North and West London, are being held in custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. All are Palestinians born in Jordan or Lebanon.
Police sources said that no weapons were found at any of the addresses.
The men – two in their 20s and another aged about 40 – were described as businessmen. One of the women is in her 50s and said to be a housewife. The other woman was said to be about 30.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
