Two petrol bombs were thrown at Finchley Reform
Synagogue in north London, in an incident police are investigating as a
suspected antisemitic attack.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the attack
occurred shortly after midnight when two individuals dressed in dark clothing
approached the building and threw two bottles believed to contain petrol, along
with a brick. No injuries were reported, and the synagogue— which also houses a
nursery—did not sustain damage.
Authorities say the suspects fled the scene in a
vehicle captured on CCTV, and efforts are ongoing to identify and locate them.
A local resident, Franco Di Landro, recounted hearing
a loud bang at the time of the incident, initially mistaking it for an
explosion before police quickly arrived at the scene.
Senior clergy member Zoe Jacobs strongly condemned the
attack, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the Jewish community, while
reaffirming the synagogue’s commitment to being an open and welcoming space.
Local MP Sarah Sackman also visited the site, calling
the incident deeply concerning and warning against allowing such acts to become
normalized. She emphasized the need for Jewish communities to live without
fear.
Police have since increased patrols in the area, with
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams assuring residents that
investigations are being treated with urgency. He urged anyone with relevant
information or footage to assist authorities.
Counter-terrorism officers are supporting the
investigation, while the Community Security Trust confirmed the case is being
handled as an antisemitic hate crime.
The incident follows a recent arson attack targeting
Jewish community resources in nearby Golders Green, raising fresh concerns
about safety and rising tensions in the area.
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