33-Year-Old Algerian Arrested for Synagogue Attack in Southern France

French media outlets have revealed that a 33-year-old Algerian man, residing legally in France, is the suspected perpetrator of the attack on the Beth Yaacov synagogue in La Grande-Motte, southern France. The suspect was arrested on Saturday evening in the city of Nîmes, following a brief escape.

Surveillance Footage and Police Pursuit

According to French media reports, investigators spent approximately 15 hours tracking down the suspect, aided by surveillance cameras that captured his exposed face as he attempted to set fire to the synagogue shortly before 8:30 AM on Saturday, just before the morning Sabbath service. The suspect, who appeared to be carrying a gun in the surveillance footage, opened fire on a line of special police officers who came to arrest him.

Suspect Injured During Arrest

Police responded with gunfire, injuring the man in the face, but his life is not in danger. On Sunday morning, the police arrested four additional individuals believed to be connected to the case. The investigation will focus on reconstructing the suspect's modus operandi, motives, and potential accomplices.

Reaction from Jewish Community Leaders

Jonathan Arfi, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), expressed "relief" at the apprehension of the alleged attacker via the social media platform X. The attack, which targeted the synagogue's entry doors and several nearby cars, was described as an act of antisemitism by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who visited the site and acknowledged that a "total tragedy" had been narrowly averted, as the synagogue could have been full of worshippers at the time of the incident.

Increased Security Measures

In response to the attack, the French government has ordered increased police protection for synagogues, Jewish schools, and shops across the country. France, which has the largest Jewish population in Europe, has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents in recent years, particularly following the 2021 Israel-Hamas conflict.

Conclusion

The arrest of the 33-year-old Algerian suspect has brought some relief to the local Jewish community, but the attack has reignited concerns about the safety of Jewish citizens in France. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to uncover the suspect's motives and any potential connections to extremist groups or networks. The French government's commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting its Jewish citizens remains steadfast in the wake of this disturbing incident.