Brand attack on Jewish parish hall in Graz - Investigations are running!

Brand attack on Jewish parish hall in Graz - Investigations are running!

In the night from May 25th to May 26th, 2025, the parish hall of the Jewish Community in Graz was the goal of an attack. According to reports from OTS , a French citizen, resident in Graz, did the act by hurling an object on the synagogue. The access system was significantly damaged. The perpetrator was arrested by the security forces on site, but there is still an interrogation, so that the background of the attack is still unclear.

Elie Rosen, President of the Israelite Culture Community for Salzburg, Styria and Carinthia, commented concerns about the increasing aggressiveness towards Jewish institutions and the community as a whole. According to roses, anti -Semitic hate emails are being sent more and more. In addition, the Situation in Israel is often mentioned as a motive for such acts.

increasing anti-Semitism threats

The latest events in Graz are part of an alarming trend. As The press reacted by the Austrian government by having all synagogues guarded around the clock. Interior Minister Karl Nehammer described the attacks as a direct attack on Austria's basic and freedom rights. The threats and insults against Jewish people are constantly increasing.

Another incident concerns a 31-year-old Syrian citizen who came to Austria as a recognized refugee in 2013. He confessed attacks on roses and several property damage, including the Graz synagogue. Nehammer called him a "radical-Islamist anti-Semite" and homophobic due to his pronounced aversion to Israel, Jews, gays and lesbians. An asylum recognition procedure was initiated against him. The security measures are reinforced by additional surveillance and a working group in the Interior Ministry.

government agent against anti -Semitism

Anti-Semitism is a central concern of the Austrian Federal Government. According to Federal Chancellery , Austria has a special responsibility towards the Jewish community, especially in view of the atrocities of the Nazi terror regimes. The increase in anti -Semitic incidents is worrying; In 2023, 1,147 incidents were documented, which corresponds to an increase of 59.5 % compared to the previous year.

Most of these incidents, namely 769, occurred on the Internet. Among other things, the Austrian government has launched the national strategy against anti -Semitism (NAS), which includes measures to combat anti -Semitism. By January 2023, 26 of the 38 planned measures have already been successfully implemented.