Attempted Arson Attack on London Synagogue Aimed to Intimidate British Jews
A suspected firebomb attack on a north London synagogue was a deliberate attempt to scare the British Jewish community, according to a leader at the place of worship. The Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt for two individuals dressed in dark clothing and balaclavas who targeted Finchley Reform Synagogue just after midnight on Wednesday.
The suspects threw a brick and two bottles believed to contain petrol at the building, but neither bottle ignited, and no damage or injuries were reported. Authorities are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime, with detectives from the North West Command Unit and Counter Terrorism Policing London leading the investigation.
Community Response and Resilience
Cantor Zöe Jacobs, the senior clergy at Finchley Reform Synagogue, emphasized that the synagogue remains a proud, progressive, and welcoming space. "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," she stated. "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."
The Community Security Trust (CST) is collaborating closely with police to monitor and prevent further antisemitic incidents, urging anyone with information to come forward. Local resident Franco Di Landro, 56, described hearing a loud bang during the attack, saying it felt like a meteorite hitting the ground.
Wider Concerns and Political Reactions
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leaders of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, highlighted that this event is part of a broader rise in antisemitism affecting Jewish communities nationwide. They pledged to work with police and CST to ensure safety and resilience.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, leading policing in the area, reassured the community of a heightened police presence and urged residents to provide any CCTV or dashcam footage. "We are aware of the significant concern that this incident will cause, particularly after the arson attack in Golders Green last month," he noted.
Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, condemned the attack on social media, refusing to let it become the new normal. "British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear," she asserted. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed gratitude for the police's swift response to what he called an appalling incident.
Solidarity and Ongoing Investigation
By Wednesday afternoon, police had cordoned off the road near the synagogue, with officers patrolling and security personnel stationed at the door. The synagogue released a statement acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact on the community, thanking neighbors, police, and politicians for their solidarity.
Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee of Finchley Church End visited the synagogue earlier this year for a Holocaust memorial day workshop, calling it a pillar of the community that deserves better. The Jewish Leadership Council and Holocaust Educational Trust also expressed horror, linking the attack to a pattern of rising antisemitism that requires urgent confrontation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police using reference 1685/15APR or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
