Progressive Judaism leaders condemn Blackburn mosque firebomb attack

The co-leads of Progressive Judaism have expressed solidarity with Muslims following an alleged firebomb attack on a café prayer room in Blackburn.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy issued a joint statement after CCTV footage appeared to show masked men throwing incendiary devices through the windows of Café Raha’s Muslim prayer room in the early hours of Monday morning.

Lancashire Police said detectives were investigating the incident, which caused significant damage to the building in Roe Lee Park, Blackburn.

In a statement shared with Jewish News, the rabbis said: “The reports from Blackburn this week are horrifying. A café prayer room used by local Muslims was targeted in what police are investigating as an arson attack, after masked individuals threw firebombs through the windows in the early hours.

“Whatever the investigation concludes, an incident like this spreads fear far beyond one building. It leaves communities feeling anxious and exposed, and asking what kind of country we are becoming.”

The rabbis said Progressive Judaism was sending “love and solidarity” to Muslims in Blackburn and across the UK.

“As the Movement for Progressive Judaism, we send love and solidarity to the Muslim community in Blackburn, and to Muslim communities across the UK who will have read this news with fear and pain,” they said.

“Antisemitism and Islamophobia do not exist in separate worlds. They draw on the same poisons of dehumanisation, conspiracy, extremism and the normalising of hatred.

“Muslim communities need to know that Jews will not look away when they are attacked and feeling frightened.

“Jewish safety and Muslim safety are bound together. We either stand with one another against hatred, or we all become less safe.”

Progressive Judaism was formally launched earlier this year following the merger of the Reform and Liberal Jewish movements, and now represents around a third of synagogues in the UK.

According to footage published by ITV Granada, a group of men wearing balaclavas were seen outside the café at around 2.30am before objects described as “firebombs” were thrown through a window.

Firefighters and police attended the scene, while detectives later confirmed an active investigation remained ongoing.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lancashire Police said: “While the motivation for the attack has yet to be fully established, there is no suggestion at this time that the incident is racially or religiously motivated.”

The force added that reassurance patrols had been increased in the area following concern among local residents and the wider community.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews also expressed concern following the attack.

In a statement posted on X, the organisation said: “The news of an arson attack on a prayer room used by Muslim communities in Blackburn this week is deeply concerning.

“Whilst the motive of the perpetrators is not yet determined, our society must ensure all faith communities go without threats of violence or intimidation.”