An explosion outside a synagogue in southern France is being investigated by authorities as “attempted terrorist murder”. The incident occurred in the resort town of La Grande-Motte, where two cars were set alight outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue, one of which contained a hidden gas cannister.
Police sources revealed that a man caught on CCTV setting fire to the vehicles was carrying a Palestinian flag and possibly a handgun. Jewish community leader Yonathan Arfi described the attack as “an attempt to kill Jews,” noting that it seemed to have been timed to target Saturday morning worshippers.
The explosion, which occurred between 08:00 and 08:30 local time, resulted in one police officer being injured, with non-life-threatening injuries. Five people, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue at the time of the attack.
President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident as “a terrorist act,” while Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the attack as “an antisemitic act.” Security around Jewish sites will be reinforced, and efforts are underway to track down the suspect.
The French Jewish community already lives under high security, with many synagogues and Jewish schools under police protection. The incident comes amidst heightened concerns for Europe’s Jewish community, as a recent survey found that Jewish people in the EU continue to face high levels of antisemitism.
There has been widespread condemnation of the attempted arson attack across France’s political spectrum, with politicians from both left-wing and far-right parties denouncing it as a criminal and antisemitic act. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
