On Saturday, August 24, 2024, an explosion outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, injured a police officer and prompted a national investigation. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 am, involved two cars being set on fire in front of the synagogue, with one containing a gas cylinder that exploded. The attack damaged the synagogue’s doors and has been described by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin as a ‘manifestly criminal’ act.In response to the incident, France’s specialist antiterrorism prosecutor has opened an inquiry into ‘attempted murder linked to a terrorist organisation’. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal labeled the event an ‘antisemitic attack,’ highlighting the gravity of the situation. The local authorities have reported that surveillance cameras captured images of an individual setting fire to the vehicles.This attack comes amid a concerning trend of increased antisemitic incidents in France. According to official figures, there were 887 reported antisemitic acts in the first half of 2024, nearly triple the number (304) from the same period in 2023. The surge in such incidents has been linked to heightened tensions following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.In response to the attack, French authorities have pledged to increase protection around Jewish institutions across the country. Yonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, ‘This is not just an attempt to burn a building, it’s an attempt to kill Jews’.As the investigation continues, both Prime Minister Attal and Interior Minister Darmanin are expected to visit La Grande-Motte. The incident has also led to the banning of a planned pro-Palestine demonstration in nearby Montpellier, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.
Key points
- An explosion outside a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, France, injured a police officer and is being investigated as a potential terrorist act.
- The incident occurs amid a significant increase in antisemitic acts in France, with 887 reported in the first half of 2024.
- French authorities have pledged increased protection for Jewish institutions and launched a national anti-terror investigation.
Contradictions👾While most sources describe the incident as an ‘attack’ or ‘attempted arson’, some initial reports were more cautious about labeling it as such before the investigation concluded.
