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A London synagogue came under attack before dawn on Wednesday, in what authorities were investigating as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.
Two masked individuals placed firebombs near a window at Finchley Reform Synagogue and threw a brick at them. The devices failed to ignite, and no damage occurred. No one was injured.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that counter-terrorism specialists were assisting in the investigation.
Two Suspects Arrested in Connection With Attack
Authorities arrested two suspects later on Wedensday in connection with the attack. A 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were taken into custody in the Watford area on suspicion of arson endangering life.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said police were treating the incident with urgency and pointed to the swift arrests as part of that response. He also acknowledged the deep concern within the Jewish community, which has faced a sustained rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 attacks. Officers will maintain a heightened police presence in the area.
Labour MP Sarah Sackman, who visited the scene, said, “British Jews must be free to go about their lives without fear.” She rejected the idea that normal Jewish life should require ever-increasing security.
Synagogue leadership responded with a message of resilience rooted in Jewish continuity. In a statement, administrators wrote, “When something threatens our physical space and our community, it also strengthens our resolve to invest our time and our love in positive expressions of our Judaism and our values. For generations, Jews have responded to hatred with an affirmation of our purpose, refusing to have our identity defined by those who would do us harm.”
The attack followed a recent arson incident in nearby Golders Green, where four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire. Police have arrested multiple suspects in that case, and court proceedings are underway. Police said there is no indication that the two incidents are linked.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
