[1][2][3][4] It was the first of a series of attacks on Jewish targets in France in a single week – which coincided with the holiday of Passover – including "at least" five synagogues.
Alain Jacubowicz, a leader of the Jewish community in Lyon, described the ramming and arson attack at the Duchere synagogue as "an act of war.
"[3] Kamel Kabtane, imam of the mosque in Lyon, told a Jewish audience: "The Muslim community and all the people who came with me today want to express solidarity with you, and it denounces with you and as loudly as you do these terrorist acts that attack freedom of religion.
"[3] Prime Minister Lionel Jospin described the attack as "organized and premeditated"; he described himself as "revolted" by it and called for "respect of religions.
"[8] Michel Miraillet, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of France to Israel, said stringent measures were being taken by the authorities to ensure the security of French Jews.