Arrests Made Following Antisemitic Arson Attempt at North London Synagogue
Police have arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north London, which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue in North Finchley, where balaclava-clad attackers were captured on CCTV hurling petrol bombs at the building.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Response
According to authorities, two suspects approached the synagogue shortly after midnight and threw two bottles suspected to contain petrol, along with a brick, at the structure. Fortunately, neither bottle ignited, and no damage or injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Police's North West Command Unit is leading the investigation, with support from specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who oversees policing in the area, stated: '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.' He reassured residents that detectives are working urgently to identify the suspects and that a heightened police presence will be visible in the area over the coming days.
Context of Recent Antisemitic Incidents
This attack comes just weeks after a separate antisemitic incident in nearby Golders Green on March 23, where four Hatzola ambulances were firebombed outside a synagogue. That attack caused gas canisters in the volunteer-led ambulances to explode, leading to charges against three individuals: Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, for arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, described the latest incident as 'shocking' and emphasized that the Jewish community should be 'free to go about their lives without fear'. In a statement, 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".' She thanked the Community Security Trust (CST) and Metropolitan Police for their quick response and pledged to raise issues of antisemitism and security at the highest government levels.
Community Resilience and Support
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, speaking on behalf of the senior clergy of Finchley Reform Synagogue, highlighted the synagogue's role as a 'proud, progressive and welcoming space for all', hosting services, a nursery, a homeless shelter, and a safe place for refugees. She condemned the attack, saying: '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.' She noted that the community is receiving strong support from police, government, CST, and other partners.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dash cam footage to contact the police using reference 1685/15APR or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously. The investigation remains ongoing as efforts to combat antisemitic hate crimes intensify in the region.
