Arson Attack on Synagogue in France; Authorities Seek Suspect

Authorities are currently on the lookout for a suspect following an arson incident targeting a synagogue in the southwestern Mediterranean town of La Grande Motte, France. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday morning, resulted in injuries to a police officer.

According to the National Anti-terrorism Prosecutor’s Office, the attack took place shortly after 8 a.m. local time when two cars parked at the Beth Yaacov synagogue complex were set on fire. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find additional fires ignited at two entrances of the synagogue.

A police officer who approached the synagogue sustained injuries when a propane gas tank located in one of the burning vehicles exploded, officials reported.

At the time of the attack, five individuals, including the synagogue’s rabbi, were present at the complex. Fortunately, they reported no injuries, as confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.

The incident is currently under investigation as an attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group. Prosecutors are treating it as a criminal act planned by a terrorist organization, intending to cause harm and destroy property using dangerous means.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, labeling it a “terrorist attack.” He emphasized that efforts to locate the perpetrator are underway. Reports from French media suggested that a suspect had been captured on CCTV shortly before the incident, wearing a Palestinian flag tied around their waist.

Macron used social media to state, “The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle.” His words were echoed by Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who described the event as an “act of antisemitism.” Attal expressed that once again, the Jewish community was being targeted.

“Faced with antisemitism and violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated,” Attal affirmed in a social media post.

In response, Acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered the deployment of additional police forces to protect Jewish places of worship across the nation. He expressed full support for the Jewish community, reassuring them that comprehensive measures are being mobilized to capture the perpetrators of this heinous act, as directed by President Macron.

To further enhance security, increased protection had already been established at various sites following a notable rise in antisemitism since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war last year. Darmanin and Attal are expected to visit La Grande Motte later in the day to assess the situation firsthand.

This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions, with authorities remaining vigilant against acts of violence and hate targeting vulnerable communities.