Two balaclava-clad men threw petrol bombs and a brick at Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London early Wednesday, in an incident police are treating as an antisemitic hate crime.

The attack occurred shortly after midnight at the synagogue on Fallow Court Avenue in Finchley. The suspects, dressed in dark clothing, approached the building and hurled two bottles believed to contain petrol along with a brick. Neither bottle ignited, resulting in no damage or injuries. Staff reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police at 8:30 a.m.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams of the Met's North West Command Unit, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: "We are aware of the significant concern that this incident will cause in the community, particularly in the wake of the arson attack in Golders Green last month. We are working with the affected synagogue and continuing to meet with community leaders." He added that detectives were working urgently to identify the suspects and urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward, quoting reference 1685/15APR.

The Community Security Trust (CST) confirmed it was supporting the synagogue and working closely with police. "We are aware of an attempted arson overnight at Finchley Reform Synagogue that is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime," the CST said. "There were no injuries and no significant damage to the building."

Synagogue leaders Cantor Zöe Jacobs, director Karen Bloom, and co-chairs Paul Goodman and Mark Choeuke informed members in a letter that police and CST were taking the matter seriously. Jacobs told the Jewish Chronicle: "This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the British Jewish community. We will continue to prioritise building bridges across the wider Barnet community, and will not be deterred by these cowardly acts." Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy noted the incident reflected a wider rise in antisemitism across the UK.

Finchley Reform Synagogue, which also hosts a nursery, homeless shelter, and refugee gatherings, maintained all regular activities. Security upgrades, including new anti-climb fencing and gates, were already underway.

Local MP Sarah Sackman visited the site and said: "This shocking attempt to harm a local synagogue follows a series of alarming attacks on the Jewish community in Finchley and Golders Green. As your local MP, and as a member of the community, I refuse to allow this to become the 'new normal'." She thanked police and CST for their response and pledged to raise antisemitism concerns at the government level.

The attack comes amid heightened concerns following an arson incident on March 23 in nearby Golders Green, where four Hatzola Jewish community ambulances were destroyed in a parking lot outside a synagogue. Three suspects have been charged in that case. Police expect a heightened presence in the area and have made no arrests in the Finchley case as enquiries continue.