Terror Attack on Synagogue in France Suspect Clad in a Palestinian Flag

[Social Media]

 

In a chilling display of attempted murder, two vehicles exploded outside the Ben Yacoov synagogue in La Grande Motte, a resort town along the southern coast of France, early on Saturday morning. The explosions, which took place around 8 a.m., have been officially labeled as a terrorist attack by French prosecutors.

 

The attack not only damaged the synagogue but also set its doors on fire, further intensifying the atmosphere of fear that has been growing within the Jewish community in France.

 

At the time of the attack, five people, including the synagogue’s rabbi, were inside the building. It was a time when worshippers would typically be arriving for morning prayers. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. However, the severity of the attack was underscored when a police officer, responding to the scene, was injured by the explosion of a gas canister inside one of the vehicles.

 

 

The antiterrorism unit of the prosecutor’s office later confirmed that this was no ordinary crime; it was a calculated attempt to assassinate and cause widespread harm by a terrorist organization. As of Saturday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and the assailant remained at large.

 

This violent episode is poised to deepen the concerns surrounding the resurgence of antisemitism in France, a country that hosts the largest Jewish population in Western Europe. Antisemitic incidents have seen a troubling rise in recent years, with the French government recording over 360 such episodes in just the first three months of 2024. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has only exacerbated these tensions, creating a more divided and polarized society where religion and ideology often clash.

 

French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly condemned the attack, assuring the Jewish community that those responsible would be pursued relentlessly. He also vowed to enhance the protection of Jewish places of worship across the country. “The fight against antisemitism is a constant battle,” Macron declared, emphasizing that this struggle is essential to maintaining national unity. He extended his thoughts to the congregation of the La Grande Motte synagogue and to all Jews in France, promising that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrator to justice and to safeguard other places of worship from similar attacks.

 

The local authorities in the Hérault region, which includes La Grande Motte, echoed the President’s sentiments. They pledged to remain vigilant in protecting the city’s Jewish community and its institutions. In response to the attack, the municipality canceled a planned demonstration in nearby Montpellier organized by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This group seeks to apply economic and political pressure on Israel over its policies towards Palestinians, and its activities have often been a flashpoint for controversy and conflict.

 

The explosions outside the synagogue have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the founder of the left-wing France Unbowed party, who has previously been accused of fanning the flames of antisemitism, also denounced the attack, describing it as an “intolerable crime.” He called on France to uphold its secular values and to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religion, are protected from such heinous acts.

 

Surveillance footage from the scene captured a suspect wearing a Palestinian flag, further linking the attack to the broader context of Middle Eastern tensions that have often spilled over into Europe. The image of the flag has fueled speculation that the attack was not only an antisemitic act but also a politically motivated one, aimed at intimidating the Jewish community.

 

In the aftermath of the attack, France’s acting Interior Minister ordered additional police reinforcements to protect Jewish places of worship across the country. The minister also expressed his solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, “This is an antisemitic attack. Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted. We won’t give up. In the face of antisemitism, in the face of violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated.” He assured the community that all necessary resources were being mobilized to track down the perpetrator and prevent further attacks.

 

The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) condemned the explosion as a deliberate attempt to kill Jews. CRIF President Yonathan Arfi highlighted the timing of the attack, noting that the use of a gas canister in a car parked outside a synagogue at a time when worshippers were expected to arrive was a clear indication of the attacker’s lethal intentions. “This shows an intention to kill,” Arfi stated, reflecting the deep anxiety that such acts instill within the Jewish community.

 

La Grande Motte, with its population of around 8,500 permanent residents, is a popular seaside resort that attracts over 100,000 tourists each year. The attack has shocked both residents and visitors, shattering the town’s reputation as a peaceful retreat. The mayor of La Grande Motte, Stephan Rossignol, confirmed that CCTV cameras had captured images of an individual setting fire to the cars, and the authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspect.

 

As France grapples with the fallout from this latest act of terrorism, the incident at La Grande Motte serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against antisemitism and the challenges of maintaining security and unity in an increasingly fractured society. The Jewish community, along with the broader French populace, will be watching closely to see how the government responds to this attack and whether it can prevent further acts of violence in the future.

 

Credit: BBC | NYT | TOI 2024-08-25

 

 

 

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[mdr224]

Just another day in Europe. Liberals currently trying to import these people into America

[cjinchiangrai]

Sad that so many are dying in the name of magical sky fairies that do not exist. Even sadder that these fanatics think that their sky fairy gives them permission to be criminals.

[morrobay]

19 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

Just another day in Europe. Liberals currently trying to import these people into America

In France they had the chance to vote in the "Far Right" to clean up this mess. But the didn't. Let's hope in November in the US that common sense and reason prevails over these liberal SAPS in charge now that are taking the country to ruin 

[Social Media]

Unsubstaniated troll post removed

[Bkk Brian]

Success, got him. 

 

Man arrested over suspected terror attack explosion at French synagogue

LA GRANDE MOTTE, France (AFP) — Police arrested a man suspected of setting fires and causing an explosion at a synagogue in southern France on Saturday in what officials suspect was a terror attack, the country’s interior minister said.

“The suspected perpetrator of the criminal fires at the synagogue has been detained,” minister Gerald Darmanin said on X, adding that officers who made the arrest came under fire.

Police had said they were hunting for a man who, draped in a Palestinian flag, was believed to have set fires at a synagogue and triggered an explosion that injured an officer in the seaside resort of La Grande Motte.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-arrested-over-suspected-terror-attack-explosion-at-french-synagogue/

 

[Bkk Brian]

He was shooting at police officers during this arrest.

https://x.com/visegrad24/status/1827515348880335222

 

[proton]

'I was made victorious with terror'- Mohammad quoted in the Hadith of Bukhari 2977. He is their example and inspiration.

[JonnyF]

More cultural enrichment for the French.

 

More antisemitism. 

 

Just what the leftists wanted. 

 

I'd imagine many are regretting not voting for Le Pen right about now. Just like the British are regretting voting Labour. 

 

Sad times.

 

Let's hope the Americans get it right in November.