Arson attack attempt at synagogue meant to intimidate Jewish community – cantor
An attempted arson attack at a north London synagogue was “clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community”, a leader at the place of worship has said, as she vowed that the community “will not be deterred by these cowardly acts”.
The Metropolitan Police are hunting for two suspects after the incident, in which two bottles thought to contain petrol were hurled at Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community, but we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.
“Instead, we will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community.”
Officers said they are treating the incident as an attempted hate crime after the pair, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were seen approaching just after 12am.
The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, with support from specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
No arrests have been made.
At the scene on Wednesday afternoon, a forensics officer could be seen inspecting a green-topped wine bottle with a blue rag in the top, which appeared to be a bottle of I Heart Sauvignon Blanc, outside the synagogue.
The bottle was also pictured on the side of the road behind a police cordon.
“We are working with the affected synagogue and continuing to meet with community leaders.
“I would like to reassure the community that we take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and detectives are working urgently to identify the suspects.
“If you have any CCTV, dashcam footage or information that could help officers, please contact the police.
“Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days.
“We have brought in additional officers and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman issued a written statement, with printed copies handed out by volunteers to residents near the synagogue.
It read: “I understand that this will be concerning to local residents. I want to reassure you that there is a strong police presence and investigations are ongoing. I visited the site earlier today and my team and I remain on hand to help the synagogue and local residents.
“The Finchley I know is tolerant and a place where neighbours look out for one another.
“The synagogue have told me how grateful they are for the enormous support they have received from their neighbours and the wider community. I know that we will get through these difficult times together.”
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, who co-lead the Movement for Progressive Judaism, of which FRS is a member, said: “This incident is part of a wider rise in antisemitism that is affecting Jewish communities across the country.
“We will continue to work with the police and CST (Community Security Trust) to prioritise the safety, resilience and confidence of all our communities.”
Reacting to the incident, he said in a post on X: “Yet another despicable attempt to target and intimidate Finchley’s Jewish community.
“I visited Finchley Reform Synagogue for their Holocaust Memorial Day workshop in January. A pillar of the community that deserves far better.
“These attacks must end.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “I’m grateful to the Met Police for their swift response to the appalling attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight.
“The incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, and there is an increased police presence in place in the local area.
“While thankfully no-one was injured, the Met are urging anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact the police with reference 1685/15APR, or reach out to Crimestoppers.