Authorities have taken a man and a woman into custody following an ‘antisemitic’ arson attempt at a synagogue in north London.
Surveillance footage captured the assailants, wearing balaclavas, as they targeted the Finchley Reform Synagogue with what appeared to be petrol bombs on Fallow Court Avenue, North Finchley, late last night.
This afternoon, a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were apprehended in the Watford area. Both face charges of arson with intent to endanger life.
The incident is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime. It occurs just weeks after a similar attack on March 23, when four Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze outside another synagogue in Golders Green.
According to police, CCTV footage revealed two individuals dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas entering the synagogue grounds at 12:09 a.m. today.
They proceeded to place two glass bottles next to the synagogue’s windows and hurled a brick at the building. The brick shattered one of the bottles, which reportedly contained a flammable liquid believed to be petrol.
Neither of the bottles was ignited and there were no injuries reported. The building was left undamaged and the suspects fled the scene.
The attack was reported to the police at about 8.30am this morning by a member of synagogue staff.
The incident happened at Finchley Reform Synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, North Finchley, overnight
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, referred to last night’s incident as ‘shocking’
Police arrested the woman at 4.47pm this afternoon and the man at 7.15pm in connection with the attack and they remain in police custody.
Police have said that last month’s ambulance arson attack does not appear to be linked to this incident.
The firebombing caused gas canisters in the ambulances, from Hatzola, a volunteer-led service, to explode.
Three men – Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, were charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
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.
‘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 overnight ignited and no damage was reported. There were no injuries.
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.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said: ‘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.
‘However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green.
Four Hatzola ambulances were firebombed in nearby Golders Green on March 23
‘There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.
‘Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.’
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.’
Anyone with information should contact the police with reference 1685/15APR, or reach out to Crimestoppers.
