After the flaming debris of supportive messages for Israel was discovered charred in front of the Erfurt synagogue, authorities are diving into an investigation, focusing on damage to property and potential anti-Semitic motives. The spokesperson for Erfurt's public prosecutor's office informed the press that two suspects remain untouched by investigation.
The escalation occurred on Sunday night, when the steps of the New Synagogue in Erfurt witnessed the incineration of notes honoring Israel. As police officers apprehended two suspects believed to be intoxicated, they identified them as 22 and 25-year-old asylum seekers hailing from Libya. Shortly afterwards, the individuals were released with no injuries reported, but the soot stains on the synagogue's steps remained as grim testaments to the incident.
Upon learning about the incident, Reinhard Schramm, chairman of the Jewish community, expressed shock and concern. He emphasized the fear that similar incidents may occur in the future, as the entrance of the nearby Jewish cultural center also became the target of suspicious strange objects this past weekend. Schramm urged for the immediate deportation of foreign anti-Semites convicted of hate crimes.
Georg Maier, Thuringia's interior minister, shared this sentiment, promising to deport the two suspects if evidence substantiates their involvement. Bodo Ramelow, the minister president, condemned the act and called for a swift, decisive response from the state. With a stern tone, he declared, "Those who target synagogues or churches will not be granted safe haven."
The burning of messages of support could potentially signal religiously intolerant actions. Consequently, the ongoing investigation will delve into any signs of anti-Semitic influences behind this unfortunate vandalism.
Historical and recent contexts of anti-Semitism, along with general trends, can be further explored through resources such as the RationalWiki article on Germany's historical context of anti-Semitism and a list of political self-immolations.
