Cantor Zoe Jacobs, a leader at Finchley Reform Synagogue, said the incident was ‘clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community’.
An attempted arson attack at a north London synagogue was “clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community”, a leader at the place of worship has said, as she vowed that the community “will not be deterred by these cowardly acts”.
The Metropolitan Police are hunting for two suspects after the incident, in which two bottles thought to contain petrol were hurled at Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Cantor Zoe Jacobs, the senior clergy of FRS, said: “Last night, two men tried to attack our synagogue and were unsuccessful.
“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community, but we will not be deterred by these cowardly acts.
“Instead, we will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community.”
Officers said they are treating the incident as an attempted hate crime after the pair, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, were seen approaching just after 12am.
Neither bottle ignited, the force added, while a brick was also thrown at the building, but no damage or injuries were reported.
The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Met’s North West Command Unit, with support from specialist detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
No arrests have been made.
At the scene on Wednesday afternoon, a forensics officer could be seen inspecting a green-topped wine bottle with a blue rag in the top, which appeared to be a bottle of I Heart Sauvignon Blanc, outside the synagogue.
The bottle was also pictured on the side of the road behind a police cordon.
Scotland Yard are appealing for witnesses and 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, dashcam 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.”
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, who co-lead the Movement for Progressive Judaism, of which FRS is a member, said: “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 (Community Security Trust) to prioritise the safety, resilience and confidence of all our communities.”
Anyone with information should contact the police with reference 1685/15APR, or reach out to Crimestoppers.
