Jerusalem Post: “After arson attack on German synagogue, hundreds rally in support”

After an incendiary device was thrown at a German synagogue on Friday, at least 550 people rallied on Sunday in the city of Oldenburg to show support for the local Jewish community according to the municipality.

An incendiary device was thrown at the Oldenburg synagogue’s doors around noon by unknown individuals, but according to Oldenburg mayor Jürgen Krogmann the caretakers of a local cultural centre intervened and prevented the fire from spreading. FireFighters extinguished the flames and no one was hurt.

The mayor noted that anyone who threw the incendiary must have known that there could have been someone inside, and thus the attack was “attempted murder” and “terrorism.”

The European Jewish Congress said on Saturday that many Jewish communities were concerned that the rhetoric against Israel had been translated into violent attacks on European Jews.

The Oldenburg municipality said that around 300 people gathered for a vigil in front of the synagogue to demonstrate their solidarity with the Jewish community.

The EJC praised the event saying that it was “truly heartwarming to see such a powerful display of solidarity and friendship with Oldenburg’s Jewish community.”

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EJC welcomes approval of EU Council Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combating Antisemitism

“The declaration reaffirms the urgency to fight against antisemitism in Europe amid its unprecedented rise after the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” said EJC President Dr Ariel Muzicant.