Jewish communities in north London are facing renewed security concerns following a second targeted attack on religious premises within a month, prompting police to deploy additional officers across the area.
The latest incident saw masked individuals attempt to set fire to Finchley Reform Synagogue during the early hours of this morning, though no injuries were sustained and the building escaped damage. Detectives have classified the attack as an antisemitic hate crime and are urgently seeking to identify those responsible.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised the Metropolitan Police for their rapid response to what he described as an “appalling” assault on the place of worship. “While thankfully no one was injured, the Met are urging anyone with information to come forward,” Khan stated on social media platform X.
The attack unfolded shortly after midnight on Fallow Court Avenue, where two suspects wearing dark clothing and balaclavas approached the building. Investigators believe the pair hurled bottles containing what is thought to be petrol at the synagogue, along with a brick. Neither bottle ignited upon impact, preventing what could have been a catastrophic blaze.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the alarm the incident will generate amongst the Jewish community, particularly given the proximity to last month’s arson attack in nearby Golders Green. That previous incident saw four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led Jewish emergency medical service, deliberately set alight.
“We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and detectives are working urgently to identify the suspects,” Williams said, adding that officers have established contact with synagogue representatives and community leaders.
The force has increased patrols throughout the district and positioned additional personnel to provide visible reassurance. Williams encouraged residents experiencing anxiety about the attack to approach uniformed officers on the streets.
Investigators are examining potential CCTV footage and dash cam recordings that may have captured the suspects before, during or after the attack. Police have requested anyone holding relevant information contact them on 101, quoting reference 1685/15APR, or provide details anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hatzola, whose name derives from the Hebrew word meaning save or rescue, operates as a free emergency medical response service staffed entirely by volunteers from the Jewish community. The organisation provides urgent care and hospital transport across London.
