Attempted arson attack at north London synagogue

An investigation's underway after bottles, suspected to be carrying petrol, and bricks were thrown at a synagogue in north London.

Police say two suspects, wearing dark clothes and balaclavas, approached the site in Finchley shortly after midnight.

They're treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime.

The force tell us neither bottle ignited and no damage or injuries were reported

The Met are appealing for witnesses and 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, dashcam 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.”

Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman described this as 'a shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue'

The Community Security Trust, which monitors antisemitism and provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, said in a post on X: “We are aware of an attempted arson overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue that is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

“There were no injuries and no significant damage to the building.

“We are supporting the affected location and are working closely with the police as they investigate and seek to identify those responsible.”

The road approaching the Finchley Reform Synagogue has been cordoned off by police following an attempted arson attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Three police officers could be seen patrolling the road.

Outside the synagogue two security officers were seen standing at the door with a police van nearby.

Cantor Zoe Jacobs, the senior clergy of Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS), 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.”

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, who co-lead the Movement for Progressive Judaism, of which FRS is a member, added: “This incident is part of a wider rise in antisemitism that is affecting Jewish communities across the country.

“We will continue to work with the police and CST to prioritise the safety, resilience and confidence of all our communities.”

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