Arrests after attempted arson attack on synagogue

Arrests following synagogue fire attempt in north London

A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were detained by police on suspicion of arson endangering life after an attack targeted a synagogue in north London. The incident involved two bottles, believed to hold petrol, being hurled at the Finchley Reform Synagogue. The suspects, clad in balaclavas, also threw a brick at the building around 01:00 BST, though no harm was done and no damage was reported.

Hate crime designation confirmed

Authorities have classified the attack as an antisemitic hate crime. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the suspects approached the site in the early hours, seemingly aiming to instill fear. This comes just weeks after four ambulances linked to a Jewish community charity were set ablaze, prompting counter-terrorism units to investigate both events separately.

“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community,” said Zoë Jacobs, the synagogue’s cantor. “We will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community and will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.”

“British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear—whether taking their children to nursery or attending synagogue,” stated Sarah Sackman, the Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green. “We do not want to live behind ever higher walls.”

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan expressed gratitude for the police’s swift response, noting that while no one was hurt, the Met is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The Community Security Trust (CST), which tracks antisemitism in the UK, confirmed its support for the synagogue and collaboration with law enforcement.

The Jewish Leadership Council described the incident as “horrified,” highlighting its role in escalating tensions. The Holocaust Educational Trust linked the attack to “a broader pattern of rising antisemitism,” urging urgent action to address it. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams added, “I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.”

Despite the incident, the Met reassured that the Finchley attack and the previous arson in Golders Green, where three individuals have been charged, are not connected. Increased patrols in the area remain in place, with officials inviting community concerns to be shared with their officers.

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