Authorities have initiated a probe into an attempted arson at a synagogue in the northern part of London.
This act, considered a hate crime with antisemitic motives, took place at Finchley Reform Synagogue located on Fallow Court Avenue in North Finchley, during the night.
Shortly after midnight, two suspects wearing balaclavas approached the synagogue and hurled two bottles, believed to be filled with petrol, along with a brick at the structure.
This incident follows an attack a few weeks prior, on March 23, when four ambulances from Hatzola were targeted with firebombs in nearby Golders Green, leading to their explosion outside another synagogue.
During the Golders Green attack, the ambulances, operated by the volunteer service Hatzola, exploded due to the ignition of gas canisters.
In connection with these events, three individuals—Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old—have been charged with arson and recklessness regarding the potential endangerment of lives.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, referred to last night’s incident as ‘shocking’ – adding the Jewish community should be ‘free to go about their lives without fear’.
‘This morning, I became aware of an attempted arson attack at Finchley Reform Synagogue overnight. Thankfully, no one has been hurt. I have been at the synagogue, supporting local residents and community leaders,’ she said.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, referred to last night’s incident as ‘shocking’
‘This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green.
‘As your local MP, and as a member of the community, 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.’
She added: ‘I thank the CST and Metropolitan Police for their quick and effective response. I will continue to raise the issues of antisemitism and security at the highest levels in Government to protect our community.’
Neither bottle thrown at the synagogue ignited and no damage was reported. There were no injuries.
The matter was reported by staff to police at 8.30am this morning.
Officers are carrying out urgent enquiries to trace the suspects. No arrests have yet been made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: ‘We are aware of the significant concern that this 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.
‘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.’
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, on behalf of the senior clergy of Finchley Reform Synagogue, said: ‘FRS is a proud, progressive and welcoming space for all. We not only hold Jewish services and celebrations, but within our community we host a nursery, a homeless shelter, and are a safe place for refugees to gather.
‘Last night, two men tried to attack our Synagogue and were unsuccessful.
‘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.
‘At this time, and as always, our community is being incredibly well supported by the police, the government, CST and all of our key partners.’
