A suspected arson attack on Rabbi Yhia Lahiani’s home in Grenoble, France, has left the family’s two-storey apartment completely destroyed, with the rabbi’s daughter claiming the incident was an attempted murder motivated by antisemitism, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The attack occurred on Saturday, 5 July, shortly after the rabbi and his family had left for a Shabbat meal at the synagogue. Within ten minutes, multiple explosions were heard.
“Someone tried to murder my family,” said Sarah Perets Lahiani, the rabbi’s daughter, in an interview with Radio Shalom. She described it as a “miracle” that her sisters and niece had left the house moments before the explosions.
While police have classified the incident as criminal arson, they have not officially called it antisemitic—a stance that has angered the family: “Why else, specifically, would the rabbi’s house be set on fire on a Saturday during mealtime?” Sarah asked. “If we say it was antisemitic, we’d have to admit there’s a problem to address.”
Investigators have reportedly found traces of kerosene at the scene. Witnesses claim they saw young people throwing objects just before the fire began. The blaze also destroyed the apartment above the rabbi’s home.
Sarah described how antisemitic harassment escalated after 7 October 2023, including repeated slashing of Rabbi Lahiani’s car tyres, gunfire aimed at the Jewish school where her mother worked, and verbal abuse, with shouts of “Jewish bastard” and “Palestine, Gaza.”
Following the arson attack, witnesses reported that young people passed by again, yelling antisemitic slurs.
The family, now homeless, has received support from the Jewish community, including CRIF regional leader Eric Hattab. Sarah shared how local residents offered clothing and other essentials. “When you see the photos, it’s terrifying. There’s nothing left. It’s all gone up in smoke.”
Twelve firefighters and police officers were injured during the fire but are reportedly recovering.
photo credit: screenshot via X/ section 27a copyright act
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