Suspect in Synagogue Attack Gives Chilling Statement Linking It to Palestinian Cause
A 33-year-old man is facing terrorism charges in France for an arson attack on a synagogue that he claimed was motivated by a desire to defend Palestinians and influence Israeli policy. The incident, which occurred at the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande Motte, resulted in the injury of a police officer and raised concerns about rising antisemitism linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The suspect, identified by the initials EHK and described as an Algerian resident of France, fled the scene but was eventually arrested with injuries sustained during the encounter with police. In custody, he admitted to the attack and expressed no intention to kill, focusing instead on instilling fear. EHK’s recent radicalization, including acquiring a firearm and researching synagogues, suggests a deepening animosity toward Jews linked to the Palestinian situation. Prosecutors are seeking charges for attempted murder, arson, and armed violence, while two associates face similar charges. French officials expressed outrage over the targeting of Jewish communities.
A 33-year-old man faced terrorism charges over an arson attack on a French synagogue last weekend that he said was aimed at defending Palestinians and changing Israeli policy, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The attack revived concerns about antisemitism in France, notably linked to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and led to heightened security at Jewish places of worship around the country.
A police officer was injured after the suspect set multiple fires around the Beth Yaacov synagogue Saturday in the Mediterranean resort town of La Grande Motte.
The suspect, identified by prosecutors only by his initials EHK, fled the scene but was later arrested. He was injured in the thorax, arm and face during the arrest, France’s national counter-terrorism prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
EHK, an Algerian with French residency, was presented to a judge Wednesday.
Prosecutors said they are seeking preliminary terrorism charges against him including attempted murder and arson committed for reasons of race or religion, as well as armed violence against police. Two other people suspected of providing him help are also facing potential charges.
Under questioning, the suspect admitted staging the attack, and told investigators he acted to support the Palestinian cause and make Israeli authorities react, the statement said. He said he did not have any homicidal intent, but wanted to scare people.
Based on questioning by police and his social media posts, EHK appears to have become more radical in his religious beliefs in recent months, and told acquaintances that he wanted to go fight in Gaza, prosecutors said. He also ‘’has for a long time nursed a hatred toward Jews, specifically focused on the situation in Palestine,’’ the statement added.
In recent weeks he purchased a firearm and conducted internet searches about synagogues in the region, Jewish holidays and Sabbath practices, according to the statement.
He went alone to the Beth Yaacov synagogue Saturday with a handgun, several plastic bottles full of fuel, and an axe upon which he had written statements about Palestine, Gaza and Muslim blood, prosecutors said.
They asked for him to be jailed pending further investigation.
“Once again, French Jews have been targeted and attacked because of their beliefs,” caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said after visiting La Grand Motte. “We are outraged and repulsed.”
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