Surge in Europe's Antisemitism: Berlin Synagogue Becomes Targeted Amidst Growing Attacks

Berlin's Jewish community is reeling after two petrol bombs were thrown at a synagogue, part of an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents across certain European countries. Police confirmed that two individuals attempted arson by hurling "burning bottles filled with liquid" at the synagogue. The director of the synagogue, Anna Segal, expressed the community's heightened sense of threat in recent days. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his outrage at the attack. The violence extended beyond the synagogue, as emergency services were attacked during anti-Israel protests at the Brandenburg Gate. These incidents occurred in the midst of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group calling for a "day of rage" over an explosion at a Gaza hospital. The Central Council of Jews in Germany characterized the "day of rage" as a form of psychological terror, leading to concrete attacks. The synagogue serves as a community center, a kindergarten, and a high school for 130 children. Segal emphasized the need for better protection, stating that the community had been expecting an attack. Although police were reportedly present at the scene, little evidence of the burnt petrol bombs remained. A man who approached the synagogue on a scooter and shouted anti-Israel slogans was briefly detained later on. Barriers have since been put up around the synagogue and Jewish community center, while officers have been stationed along the street. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been banned in France and parts of Germany. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured swift responses from the state to any harm faced by French Jews. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the rise in antisemitic incidents and emphasized the need to combat hate speech and fake news. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the increase in antisemitic incidents in the UK as "disgusting." The Community Security Trust has called for universities to take decisive action to combat antisemitism and safeguard Jewish students. According to the CST, 36 antisemitic incidents were recorded on campuses between October 7 and 16.