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An arson attack on the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, a seaside town near Montpellier, France, left one police officer injured and authorities searching for the perpetrator. The incident, which occurred around 8 a.m. local time, is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.
Two cars parked at the synagogue complex were set ablaze, and additional fires were discovered at two entrances to the building. A police officer responding to the scene was injured when a propane tank in one of the vehicles exploded. Five people, including the rabbi, were inside the synagogue at the time but escaped unharmed.
French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly condemned the attack, stating on social media: "The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle." He labeled the incident a "terrorist act" and assured that authorities were working to apprehend the suspect.
Local resident Karam Paquin, 52, described the shock of witnessing the attack: "The noise I heard was louder than anything I've ever heard in my life. Since I've been in La Grande-Motte, it's been over 25 years, so it was a big shock."
The National Anti-terrorism Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into multiple charges, including attempted assassination linked to a terrorist group and destruction of property with dangerous means. Mayor Stéphan Rossignol revealed that city surveillance footage showed a lone suspect at the scene, noting, "The individual in question did not manage to get inside the synagogue, even though that was clearly his objective."
Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal decried the incident as "an act of antisemitism," emphasizing, "Once again our Jewish fellow citizens are being targeted. Faced with antisemitism, faced with violence, we will never let ourselves be intimidated."
In response to the attack, Acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered increased police protection for Jewish places of worship across France. This heightened security comes amid a surge in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2023.
The attack in La Grande-Motte follows a troubling pattern of violence against Jewish communities in France and across Europe. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating extremism and protecting religious minorities.
As the investigation unfolds, French officials, including Darmanin and Attal, are expected to visit La Grande-Motte. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of antisemitism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding religious freedoms.
With the suspect still at large, authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any relevant information that could aid in the ongoing manhunt and investigation.
