Luc Gauci Green and David Floyd on community reactions to recent antisemitic attacks

A group of people standing and holding sheets of paper. — The local community showing solidarity with Finchley Reform Synagogue following last week’s attempted arson (Credit – Citizens UK)

Sarah Sackman celebrated the solidarity shown by the Finchley community as local organisations came together at Finchley Reform Synagogue following an attempted arson attack last month.

The Finchley and Golders Green MP hailed the gathering on Friday, 17th April as “Finchley at its finest” as over 20 community groups came to show support for the synagogue following the incident two days earlier.

Representatives of neighbouring religious organisations spoke out in support of Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS), highlighting its contribution to the wider community.

Tamara Joseph of Finchley Progressive Synagogue said: “FRS do so much in the local community and show up for them so you can see that they all want to show up for FRS.”

Rev Jared Jaggers of the American International Church added: “We see you, we hear you, we support you and we want to return all the love that you give out.”

Frequently referenced was the deep connection between FRS and the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association (SBWA). The Somali group saw its own centre destroyed in an arson attack 13 years ago and FRS opened their doors to let them use the synagogue as Ramadan approached; an arrangement that lasted for four years.

Roda Imam of SBWA said a silver lining could come from such horrific incidents: “We had our situation in 2013, but it helped us open up to the wider community. It had a positive impact. We can help now, by showing our support and being a voice for those less integrated.”

Speaking at the event, Labour MP Sackman, said of the connection between the groups: “That’s what solidarity looks like. That is a quiet radical act that shows what North London is all about.”

She said the gathering “shows we stay resolute and we carry on as a local community”, before adding: “Not only are the Friday prayers continuing in Finchley Reform, people have turned out. Our local Muslim community. Our local police officers. Our councillors. Our MP. All here to show solidarity with the community at Finchley Reform. I think that’s Finchley at its finest.”

The attempted attack on FRS is one of a spate of recent antisemitic attacks in North West London including March’s arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March and a further arson attack on a synagogue in Harrow last week.

Speaking following the FRS incident, Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings said: “The attempted arson attack on Finchley Reform Synagogue, carried out deep into the night by masked thugs, was the work of bullies and cowards.”

He added: “We stand with members of Finchley Reform Synagogue and the wider Jewish community. Relevant councillors are in touch with the synagogue. Antisemitism cannot be tolerated in Barnet and we are dedicated to combatting it now and always.”

Talking to Barnet Post while campaigning with local activists in Barnet last month, Conservative shadow chief secretary to the treasury Richard Fuller expressed his concerns about growing antisemitism.

He said: “It’s horrible looking at some of my friends who are Jewish in London who feel that this city has changed dramatically over the last few years and no longer feel safe walking the streets where they live or in central London in particular.”

He added that regular marches focused on Gaza had created an atmosphere that was “divisive and hostile”.

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