Attempted Arson at Finchley Reform Synagogue
Two suspects remain at large following an attempted arson attack at the Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London. The assailants reportedly threw two bottles believed to contain petrol at the building.
The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime.
The suspects, who were wearing balaclavas, approached the synagogue at approximately 01:00 BST. They threw a brick and two bottles at the premises. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported.
Context of Recent Attacks
This incident follows a recent arson attack last month in which four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity were set on fire. Counter-terrorism police are involved in the investigations of both cases.
Community and Political Responses
Sarah Sackman, the Labour Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green, condemned the attack, stating:
"This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green."
"I refuse to allow this to become the new normal."
"British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear - whether taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue. We do not want to live behind ever higher walls."
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his gratitude for the police response via a post on X, saying he was "grateful" for their actions. He added that while no one was injured, the Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to providing security and monitoring antisemitism in the UK, confirmed it is supporting the synagogue and working closely with police.
The Jewish Leadership Council, representing Jewish organisations across the UK, described the incident as "horrified" by the attack.
The Holocaust Educational Trust commented that this attempted attack is part of "a broader pattern of rising antisemitism, which must be confronted with urgency."
Police Statement and Appeal
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the community's concern, particularly given the recent arson attack in Golders Green. He said:
"We are aware of the significant concern the incident will cause in the community, particularly in the wake of the arson attack in Golders Green last month."
"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, dash cam footage or information that could help officers please contact the police."
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