Arson incident near a French synagogue leads to injury of law enforcement officer
According to Rossignol's account, a dude was captured on surveillance cameras setting blazes to automobiles outside the Beth-Yaacov Synagogue. The fire caused damage to two entrances of the building, as reported by a source from the gendarmerie. Details regarding the injuries sustained and the cop's condition weren't provided initially.
Darmanin, the Interior Minister, termed the act as "undoubtedly illegal" on X. He assured France's Jewish citizens and the community of his unwavering support. At Macron's behest, "every resource will be utilized" to track down the culprit. Darmanin is said to be heading to La Grande-Motte on Saturday with Attal, the Prime Minister.
Attal announced that the anti-terror prosecutor's office has taken charge of the investigation. On X, he labeled the act as "anti-Semitic". The suspect is under surveillance, and the prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation into an attempted terrorist assassination.
As per the ministry, Darmanin instructed all French prefects to "instantly" ramp up security forces presence at Jewish institutions. He dispatched a message to this effect to prefects across France at Macron's request.
The number of antisemitic offenses in France has seen a dramatic surge since the radical Islamic Hamas assault on Israel on October 7 and the commencement of the Gaza conflict. A whopping 887 such incidents were reported during the first half of the year, a significant increase from the 304 recorded in the same period in 2023.
Crif, the Jewish umbrella organization, had predicted months prior that the number of antisemitic incidents would "skyrocket" following October 7. On Saturday, Crif denounced the incident in La Grande-Motte as "an attempt to eliminate Jews". The use of a gas cylinder in a vehicle in front of a synagogue, where worshippers often gather, is "not just a lawless act", Crif chairman Afri told AFP. "It signifies a murderous intent."
In light of the escalating number of antisemitic offenses, the Prime Minister requested Darmanin to boost security at Jewish institutions. During his visit to La Grande-Motte, Darmanin, along with Attal, aimed to strengthen security in coastal towns, particularly those with significant Jewish populations.
