Synagogue attacked in Berlin as anti-Semitic crimes increase

The Jewish community in Berlin is upset because someone threw two petrol bombs at a synagogue. This has happened at a time when there has been an increase in antisemitic incidents in some European countries.

The police said that two individuals tried to start a fire by throwing bottles filled with liquid that were on fire.

Director Anna Segal said that we could start to feel the tensions increasing. She said the people in the community have felt scared and in danger lately.

The German leader Olaf Scholz is very angry about the attack.

There was violence in other parts of Berlin last night during protests against Israel. The police said that emergency services were assaulted at the Brandenburg Gate.

The most recent attacks happened when Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a militant group supported by Iran, asked for a “day of rage” in response to an explosion at a hospital in the Gaza Strip. It is believed that many people have died in the explosion.

The main organization of Jewish people in Germany, known as the Central Council of Jews, stated that the expression “day of rage” is more than just words – it is a form of psychological terror that can result in actual physical attacks. The synagogue also has a center where the community can gather, a school for young children, and a school for older students with 130 kids.

Anna Segal told the BBC that the people in the community were feeling anxious and wanted more safety. She said, “We were aware that it was only a matter of time and it’s not over yet. ”
There weren’t many signs of the petrol bombs that were burned in front of the synagogue and Jewish community center at around 03:45 (02:45 GMT).

In Germany, Jewish places usually have continuous police protection. Reports say that police officers were present when the attack occurred.

The police held a man for a short time after he rode a scooter to the building and ran towards the synagogue. He was shouting slogans against Israel.

Barriers have been placed around the synagogue and Jewish community center in the middle of Berlin. Police officers stood along the street and a small police booth was set up outside the building.

France and Germany have both said that people are not allowed to have pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The police used tear gas and water cannons to stop a rally that was not allowed, which took place in the middle of Paris, last week.

In response to an increase in incidents of hatred towards Jewish people, the French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, stated that anyone who harms a French Jew will receive a very quick and strong reaction from the government.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the actions of Hamas have caused a new wave of violence between Israel and the Palestinians.

There is an increase in actions against Jewish people, including in Europe. Synagogues have been damaged or destroyed by vandals. Hateful words and false information are spreading very quickly, which is causing concern. “And she said that this is something we cannot accept. ”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed anger and strong disapproval towards the increasing number of antisemitic events in the UK, describing them as “disgusting”.

The Community Security Trust is asking universities to quickly and resolutely address anti-Semitism and keep Jewish students safe. The CST, which protects Jewish people, said there were 36 cases of antisemitism on campuses from 7 to 16 October.