Police have launched an investigation after an attempted arson attack saw two balaclava-clad suspects throw bottles thought to contain petrol at a north London synagogue.
The incident, which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, happened at Finchley Reform Synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, North Finchley, overnight.
Two suspects approached the synagogue shortly after midnight and threw two bottles, suspected to contain petrol, and a brick at the building.
It came weeks after four Hatzola ambulances were firebombed outside a different synagogue in nearby Golders Green on March 23.
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: ‘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, dash cam 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.’
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.
