A leading German politician is demanding more robust security for synagogues across the country, following a recent Yom Kippur attack in Hanover.
Deputy Christian Democrat (CDU) federal chairwoman, Karin Prien, who also heads the party’s Jewish Forum, said synagogues must have intensified security on Jewish holidays.
“Synagogues should be a place of security. On holidays such as Yom Kippur, Jewish institutions must therefore be given special protection.” “[This should happen] everywhere and with sufficiently trained staff. Jews in Germany should not have to fear every year anew to visit a synagogue on public holidays.”
During prayer on Wednesday evening, a stone was thrown through a synagogue window in Hanover, Lower Saxony, while 150 people were gathered inside to celebrate the highest Jewish holiday.
The incident evokes memories of the chilling Yom Kippur attack on the synagogue in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, in October 2019 when an armed far-right extremist tried to storm a synagogue, shooting two passersby.
Lower Saxony’s Justice Minister Barbara Havliza (CDU) said: “This attack on the most important Jewish holiday, three years after the terror attack in Halle and on the fenced-in area of the synagogue, is an ugly sign of increasing anti-Semitism in our country.
"A spokeswoman for the local police said: "We are investigating with high pressure in all directions."
“There is probably no video material, as there are no surveillance cameras in the affected area of the synagogue. But the state security is investigating.” Lower Saxony’s Interior Minister Pistorius said: "In recent years, we have repeatedly intensified the protective measures and are in personal exchange with representatives of the Jewish communities."
“Any form of violence against Jewish life is an attack on our free, open and solidary society in Lower Saxony.”
This year, the state of Lower Saxony has provided five million euros for Jewish communities security.
Chairman of the State Association of Jewish Communities of Lower Saxony, Michael Fürst said in Hanover in particular, they will soon start using this money for thicker window glass at synagogues.
The president of the Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, said: "I condemn [this attack] in the strongest possible terms. The many expressions of solidarity from civil society and state institutions give us courage.”
Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, tweeted that anyone who throws a stone "does not hesitate" to fire a bullet.
