An explosion outside a synagogue in southern France is being investigated as “attempted terrorist murder”. Police believe the explosion was caused by two cars being set alight outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte. A man carrying a Palestinian flag and possibly a handgun was caught on CCTV setting fire to the vehicles. The incident, described as “an attempt to kill Jews” by Jewish community leader Yonathan Arfi, targeted Saturday morning worshippers.
Despite one police officer sustaining non-life-threatening injuries in the blast, five people, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue at the time. The incident comes amidst a concerning rise in antisemitic acts in France, according to a recent report by the Council of Jewish Institutions. President Emmanuel Macron pledged to find those responsible for the attack, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin promising to bolster security around Jewish sites. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the incident as an antisemitic act and assured that the suspect is being pursued. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Europe’s Jewish community, as highlighted in a recent survey revealing high levels of antisemitism. The attack has prompted widespread condemnation from various political figures across France.
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