As Leonard Cohen sang -“There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.”
In recent weeks our pocket of North London has been affected by a number of alarming incidents.
From the attempted arson on a local synagogue to other examples of violent crime, we know that the people who did this were trying to intimidate our community. I understand that those responsible come from outside our Borough, seeking to divide us. From what I’ve seen as your local MP, they won’t succeed. That’s because the Finchley and Golders Green that I know is welcoming, tolerant and open. A place where our diversity is our strength.
Last week, Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) was subject to an attempted arson attack – an antisemitic hate crime. FRS is not simply a place of worship, it is a community centre, a homeless shelter and a nursery. As I said to BBC, attacks on our diverse communities cannot become the new normal.
I am in regular contact with the local police, who have acted swiftly to investigate the crimes committed, making arrests and stepping up the number of patrols around the community.
But short-term fixes are not enough.
I have written to the Home Office and met with Ministers to ask for a long-term increase in policing resources for Barnet. I brought the Security Minister to visit Finchley to see for himself the need here. He had committed an additional £5million to vulnerable communities and the police have committed hundreds of additional officer hours.
But I also want to share with you a moment of hope in what has otherwise been a dark week. As Leonard Cohen sang -“There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.”
Last Friday, just days after the attack, FRS was full of singing – led by Cantor Zoe Jacobs and Gareth Malone – with local neighbours of all faiths and backgrounds. You can read about the special bond between this Jewish community and a local Muslim community, the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association, here: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/apr/18/london-synagogue-antisemitism-finchley-communities
Local church leaders from St Mary’s Finchley and beyond, five imams, several vicars, our local police chief, our councillors also joined this beautiful service which highlighted the volunteering and leadership of young people.
Finchley and Golders Green will not be defined by those who seek to divide – it will be defined by those who wish to unite.
Moments of the Month:
- Hosting our second legal advice centre pop-up at the artsdepot.
- Over the last four years Barnet Council has planted over 1000 new trees. It has been very special to watch them bloom.
- Welcoming Angela Rayner to East Finchley to talk about our successful campaign for a Best Start Family Hub.
- Celebrating Palm Sunday with St Jude’s on the Hill and enjoying the annual visit from a donkey!
Photo of the Month:
Congratulations to Wingate & Finchley for their victory in the Velocity Cup!
(I am hoping that another North London team in blue can replicate the success!)
Finchley & Golders Green Fuel:
La Gourmandise in East Finchley who have the best croissants and coffee for a sunny weekend morning!
Community Champion:
All the incredible volunteers at the Community Security Trust who give up their time to protect their community. Thank you.
I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the remaining blossoms.
With best wishes,
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green