An explosion outside a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, is under investigation by authorities as an “attempted terrorist murder.” Police have reported that the explosion was triggered by two cars set ablaze, one of which contained a hidden gas canister.
CCTV footage captured a man igniting the vehicles, who was seen carrying a Palestinian flag and potentially a handgun. Jewish community leader Yonathan Arfi condemned the incident as “an attempt to kill Jews,” emphasizing that the attack appeared to target worshippers attending Saturday morning services.
One police officer sustained injuries in the explosion, which occurred between 08:00 and 08:30 local time; fortunately, his injuries are not life-threatening. At the time of the explosion, five individuals, including the rabbi, were present inside the synagogue.
A recent report by the Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) highlighted a nearly threefold increase in antisemitic acts across France from 2022 to 2023. In response to this incident, President Emmanuel Macron assured, “Everything is being done to find the author of this terrorist act.”
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed his unwavering support for the Jewish community and announced plans to enhance security measures around Jewish sites. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also denounced the incident as “an antisemitic act,” confirming that authorities are actively pursuing the suspect.
Both Darmanin and Attal are expected to visit the scene later today. The French Jewish community has long operated under heightened security, with numerous synagogues and Jewish schools receiving police protection.
The explosion raises alarms within Europe’s Jewish community, especially following a recent survey from the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) revealing persistent high levels of antisemitism. The survey, which included over 8,000 Jewish individuals from 13 EU countries, found that 96% reported experiencing antisemitism in their daily lives.
Widespread condemnation of the attempted arson attack has resonated throughout France’s political landscape. Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon labeled it an “intolerable crime,” while far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella denounced it as a “criminal and antisemitic act.”
