France steps up security at Jewish institutions after ‘terror attack’ on synagogue

French authorities were pursuing a terror angle in a car explosion incident that took place outside a synagogue in the southern French town of La Grande-Motte on Saturday (Aug 24). Paris has vowed to step up security at Jewish institutions following the attack, dubbed a “criminal act” by the country’s interior ministry. At least one police official was injured in the explosion, which also damaged two cars at the scene.

Now, authorities have identified a suspect in CCTV footage from the area, who was seen waving a Palestinian flag near the place of worship.

Reacting to the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media that everything would be done to "find the author of this terrorist act and protect places of worship".

"Thoughts for the faithful of the synagogue of La Grande-Motte and all the Jews of our country. The fight against anti-Semitism is a constant battle, that of the united Nation," he added.

France's Prime MinisterGabriel Attal said the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office has been handed over the investigation of the incident.

“This is an antisemitic attack. Once more, our Jewish compatriots are targeted,” Attal said on X, adding: “We won’t give up. In the face of antisemitism, in the face of violence, we will never allow ourselves to be intimidated.”

Antisemitic attacks have surged in France, like in other European nations, following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October7 and Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza.

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A French Jewish group claimed that the attack was an attempt to kill the Jews.

Yonathan Arfi, who leads the CRIF, an umbrella organisation of French Jewish groups, said, “Exploding a gas bottle in a car in front of the Grande Motte synagogue at the expected time of arrival of the faithful: it’s not just attacking a place of worship, it’s an attempt to kill Jews.”

(With inputs from agencies)