In a disturbing incident, attackers targeted a synagogue and a Jewish community center in Berlin overnight, hurling two Molotov cocktails, according to the city’s Mitte district police on Wednesday.
The assault took place around 3:45 a.m. local time, as two unidentified individuals approached on foot and threw incendiary devices towards the synagogue on Brunnenstrasse. The bottles landed on the pavement, breaking and extinguishing the fire. Although there were no injuries or significant damage, security forces swiftly acted to prevent potential consequences by extinguishing a small fire left behind.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz swiftly responded to the incident, vowing that the German government would intensify efforts to combat anti-Semitism in the country. This commitment comes amid growing concerns about rising anti-Semitic sentiments.
The attack occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas. Germany, along with the EU and several other nations, classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization. The incident underscores the impact of international tensions on local communities.
In a separate incident around 8 a.m., a man attempted to approach the synagogue, shouting anti-Israel slogans after being stopped by officers. Subsequently released, the individual now faces charges of incitement of racial hatred and an attempted attack on an officer.
As authorities launch an investigation into the attack, the focus on combating anti-Semitism takes center stage. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures and vigilance amid heightened tensions on the international stage.
