French authorities have ordered increased police presence at Jewish places of worship after a suspected arson attack on a synagogue in La Grande-Motte, a town in the southwestern Mediterranean region. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved a car explosion in the synagogue’s parking lot that injured a police officer. Officials have labeled the attack a deliberate act and are investigating it as a potential act of antisemitism.
The investigation is being overseen by the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, and police are actively searching for the suspect. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has assured Jewish citizens of the government’s support, stating that President Emmanuel Macron has mobilized all available resources to apprehend the perpetrator.
Acting Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who classified the incident as an attempted arson, has ordered increased police deployment at Jewish places of worship across the country. This measure comes amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last year. Darmanin is scheduled to visit La Grande-Motte alongside Attal later on Saturday.
Local media reports suggest one of the cars involved in the incident contained a propane gas tank, indicating a premeditated act. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for increased security measures to protect Jewish communities in France.
