Two suspects have been arrested following an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in شمال London, in an incident police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.
Gatekeepers News reports that the attack targeted Finchley Reform Synagogue, where two bottles believed to contain petrol and a brick were thrown at the building in the early hours of the morning.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in the Watford area on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The suspects were said to be wearing balaclavas when they approached the synagogue at about 01:00 BST.
No injuries or damage were reported.
The incident comes weeks after a separate arson attack in which four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity were set ablaze. Counter-terrorism police are involved in both investigations, although authorities say there is no evidence linking the two cases.
Cantor Zoë Jacobs described the synagogue as a “proud, progressive and welcoming space for all,” condemning the attack as an attempt to intimidate the Jewish community.
“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community,” she said. “We will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community and will not be deterred by these cowardly acts. As always, our community is being incredibly well supported by the police, the government, CST and all of our key partners.”
Also reacting, Sarah Sackman described the incident as “shocking,” noting it followed a series of attacks targeting the Jewish community in the area.
“I refuse to allow this to become the new normal,” she said. “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.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also expressed concern, thanking police for their swift response and urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Community Security Trust said it is supporting the synagogue and working closely with authorities, while the Jewish Leadership Council said it was “horrified” by the incident.
The Holocaust Educational Trust warned the attack reflects “a broader pattern of rising antisemitism, which must be confronted with urgency.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the arrests should reassure the public but acknowledged growing concern within the community.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Our increased patrols in the Finchley area continue, and I would ask that anyone with concerns speaks to my officers.”
