Two people have been arrested in connection with the attempted firebombing of a North London synagogue in the early hours of Wednesday.
Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident as an “antisemitic hate crime” after two masked suspects were seen approaching Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) at around midnight and throwing bottles filled with liquid, believed to be petrol, at the building.
The bottles failed to ignite and no injuries or damage to the building were reported.
On Wednesday evening, officers from the Metropolitan Police’s North West Area Command Unit arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man in the Watford area, both on suspicion of arson endangering life.
The Met also confirmed that the investigation is being led by the North West Area Command, but that the unit is being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area, said:“I hope the swift action by officers today to identify and arrest two people provides some reassurance and demonstrates how seriously we take attacks of this nature.
“However, we understand the significant concern the Jewish community will feel at another incident so soon after the arson attack on four ambulances in Golders Green.
"There is no suggestion the matter in Finchley and the incident in Golders Green, for which three people have been charged, are linked.
“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”
Speaking prior to the arrests, Cantor Zöe Jacobs, principal clergy of FRS, told the JC: “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.
“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.”
And Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis tweeted: “Last night, petrol bombs were thrown at Finchley Reform Synagogue in London.
“Mercifully, the bottles didn’t ignite, and, on this occasion, there was little damage and no injuries, but the evidence of yet more anti-Jewish hatred could not be clearer.
"We are a resilient community and we will never succumb to fear and intimidation.”
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