Police are investigating an arson attempt at Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) last night as an anti-semitic hate crime.
No one was injured, and there is no damage to the property, according to shul leadership, and there is a strong police and CST presence at the building today.
One local resident described seeing a large area around the shul cordoned off with police tape on Wednesday morning.
Another resident told the JC they saw “a brick and what looked like a petrol bomb (glass bottle with paper)” outside one of the building’s windows.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson appeared to confirm this account, saying: “Two suspects, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, approached the synagogue in Fallow Court Avenue, Finchley shortly after midnight… and threw two bottles, suspected to contain petrol, and a brick at the building. Neither bottle ignited and no damage was reported.”
In a letter sent out this morning to FRS members, the shul’s principal clergy, Cantor Zöe Jacobs, synagogue director Karen Bloom, and co-chairs Paul Goodman and Mark Choueke, said: “We are writing to let you know that there was an attempt to damage our shul last night which the police and CST are taking very seriously.”
They continued: “As you will appreciate, this is now an active investigation. As soon as we are able to we will share further updates directly with you so that you have accurate and clear information. The police will also shortly issue a statement.
“For now, all our regular activities and events continue to take place. Please be assured that, as always, the safety of our community is at the forefront of everything we do, and we continue to work with our security partners to ensure this.”
They added that they were being “incredibly well supported” by the police and CST.
Jacobs told the JC: “Overnight, two people tried to attack our synagogue and were unsuccessful.
“Finchley Reform Synagogue 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.”
She added: “This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community.
“We will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community, and will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.”
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.”
The CST said in a separate statement: “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. We urge anyone with information to contact the police on 999 and then CST.”
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leads of 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.”
And Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, tweeted: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Security upgrades were being carried out at the shul before the attack occurred, including replacing existing fencing with a high anti-climb barrier and installing additional secure gates. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Anyone with information regarding the attack is asked to contact the Met on 101, providing the reference 1685/15APR. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.