‘Whatever life throws at us, we don’t walk alone’: how a London synagogue attack birthed an act of solidarity
Summary
A London synagogue, Finchley Reform Synagogue, experienced a firebombing attack, and in response, the local Jewish and Somali Bravanese communities showed strong support for each other. The Somali community had previously used the synagogue for prayers after their center was damaged, and now they returned the kindness with signs and treats during a solidarity gathering.Key Facts
- Finchley Reform Synagogue in London was targeted with a firebomb attack involving bottles filled with a liquid thought to be petrol.
- Two people, a man and a woman, were arrested for the attack, which is treated as an antisemitic hate crime.
- The Somali Bravanese community, who had their center destroyed in an arson attack 13 years ago, previously used the synagogue for prayers during Ramadan.
- The Somali community brought signs and food to the synagogue event to support their Jewish neighbors.
- This attack happened shortly after ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were firebombed nearby, an attack linked to a group connected to Iran.
- Security at the synagogue has increased, including fences, volunteers, guards, and police checks.
- The synagogue hosts many community activities beyond worship, including a nursery, homeless shelter, and refugee support.
- Antisemitic attacks in the UK have increased since the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict.
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