Synagogue rocked by ‘gas cylinder explosion’ outside in France

Two vehicles burst into flames outside a synagogue in southern France this morning in a ‘clearly criminal’ incident.

Four fires erupted just outside the Beth Yaacov synagogue in the seaside resort of La Grande-Motte after an explosion was heard at around 8.30am.

One of the cars is understood to have contained a gas canister, local officials said according to the newspaper Actu.

CCTV footage shows an individual setting fire to the vehicles, the mayor of the commune, Stéphan Rossignol, said.

Two doors of the place of worship were reportedly set on fire, Le Parisien reported. No one was inside at the time.

Footage posted on social media appeared to show smoke billowing from the lower floors of the estate agent’s opposite along Allée André Malraux.

A police officer was thrown to the ground when an explosion took place as they were setting up a perimeter.

They were taken to the emergency room at Montpellier University Hospital, FranceBleu reported. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Police have launched an investigation.

Officials widely condemned the incident. Hugues Moutouh, the state’s prefect, or representative, said on X: ‘I denounce in the strongest terms the events that took place this morning at the synagogue in La Grande Motte.

‘I have asked the police and gendarmes to strengthen the security of Jewish interests in the department. I am going to the scene.’

Moutouh said that in the ‘context that we know’, state officials have decided to ban a planned demonstration by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in the Place de la Comédie in Montpellier.

BDS supporters call for countries, businesses and universities to sever all ties with Israel in solidarity with Palestine.

Interior minister Gérald Darmanin added on the platform: ‘An attempted arson, clearly criminal, hit the synagogue in La Grande Motte this morning.’

Hérault senator Hussein Bourgi posted: ‘I would like to express all my solidarity with the Jewish community of La Grande Motte as well as its president, Sabine Atlan.’

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