Authorities probe state protection agency over destruction of Jewish landmark
In the picturesque city of Baden-Baden, a tragic incident has shaken the community. The Jewish Holocaust memorial, a two-meter tall monument weighing several hundred kilograms, was vandalised earlier this week. The city has expressed deep regret and strongly condemned the act, with a swift restoration of the memorial being the top priority.
The state's criminal investigation department is currently investigating the incident, and no suspects have been identified as of the latest reports in August 2025. A political motive is suspected in the incident, with the perpetrators believed to have used a motorised vehicle and a chain or similar to topple the memorial. However, no specific individuals or groups have been named in connection with the act.
The memorial, located in a green area, did not show any tire tracks, ruling out an accident as the cause. An inspection by a stonemason has already been conducted, and the damage is estimated to cost several thousand euros. A city employee reported the incident to the police on Monday.
The vandalism of the memorial occurred amid a significant rise in antisemitic incidents across Germany. In 2025 alone, over 1,000 such cases were recorded, with a sharp increase in such offenses since late 2023. The increase in antisemitism includes violence and vandalism linked to various groups, with a noted prevalence of incidents described as "Israel-related antisemitism," involving radical Muslims and far-left elements.
Despite the ongoing investigation, no further details on leads, arrests, or progress specific to the Baden-Baden memorial vandalism have been reported. The city has not commented on the possibility of an accident or spontaneous action in the incident.
In response to the incident, a vigil is planned for Thursday, and the city aims to restore the memorial as soon as possible, regardless of its financial situation. The city's statement did not mention any suspects or the method used to topple the memorial, nor did it address the suspected political motive in the incident.
As the investigation continues, the community in Baden-Baden stands united in condemning this act of hate and vandalism, and in their commitment to preserving the memorial as a symbol of remembrance and respect.
- The city's statement regarding the aftermath of the vandalized Jewish Holocaust memorial in Baden-Baden mentions a planned vigil, indicating a focus on addressing the incident through general-news events and community gatherings.
- In the ongoing investigation of the vandalism on the Jewish Holocaust memorial in Baden-Baden, the suspected political motive and use of a motorized vehicle and a chain or similar by the perpetrators fall under the category of crime-and-justice.
