Security Beefed Up As Explosion Outside French Synagogue Injures Police Officer

An explosion has occurred outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France, leaving one police officer injured and prompting a swift increase in security measures around Jewish places of worship across the country.

The explosion, which took place around 8:30am local time on Saturday, is now being investigated by France’s specialist antiterrorism prosecutor as an “attempted terrorist murder.”

Two vehicles parked in front of the synagogue were set alight, one of which reportedly contained a gas canister. The flames also spread to two doors of the synagogue. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage that captured an individual walking away from the vehicles moments before the explosion. This individual is now the focus of an ongoing investigation.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described the fire as “an obviously criminal act” and reassured the Jewish community of his full support. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Darmanin emphasized, “At the request of President Emmanuel Macron, all means are being mobilised to find the perpetrator.”

Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif), condemned the attack as an “attempt to kill Jews.” He highlighted the deliberate timing of the explosion, which coincided with the arrival of worshippers for Saturday morning prayers.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Interior Minister Darmanin traveled to the scene on Saturday afternoon. Darmanin also issued a directive to local government officials, urging “immediate reinforced protection” around Jewish sites, including synagogues, schools, and community centers, while calling for “absolute vigilance.”

The injured police officer was taken to Montpellier hospital, where he is being treated for injuries related to the blast. His condition is not considered life-threatening.

This incident occurred amid a disturbing rise in antisemitic acts in France. Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the number of reported antisemitic incidents has nearly tripled compared to the same period last year, according to Darmanin. The Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif) reported that in 2023 alone, there were 1,676 recorded antisemitic incidents, a fourfold increase from the previous year.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the explosion as “a terrorist act,” while Prime Minister Attal labeled it “an antisemitic act.” Security forces are currently engaged in an extensive search to apprehend the suspect involved in the attack.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across France’s political spectrum. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent left-wing politician, called it an “intolerable crime,” while Jordan Bardella of the far-right National Rally party described it as “a criminal and antisemitic act.”