Brussels, 17 September 2021
Yesterday, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, German authorities prevented a terror attack on the Hagen Synagogue. Due to security concerns, religious services were cancelled, preventing community members from celebrating Yom Kippur. Following the detention of the suspects, three teenagers, German authorities categorised the attempt as “an Islamist-motivated threat situation”.
The European Union of Jewish Students stands in solidarity with the Jewish communities in Germany and across the whole of Europe. The terror threat is a reality to all European Jewish communities. The continued hatred against the Jewish people must not be tolerated in any way. It is because of such threats that Jewish communities all around the world need to be safeguarded and protected by special security measures.
This situation strongly recalls the neo-nazi terror attack on the synagogue in Halle, Germany, two years ago, murdering two. Such events must not become commonplace, threats on Jewish buildings and therefore on Jewish life must not be ignored.
In recent years, Germany, like many European countries, has seen a concerning rise in antisemitic attacks against local Jewish communities. This disturbing trend has been corroborated by recent studies and research. Despite clear examples, public opinion still struggles in recognising the threat under which European Jews live.
We call on relevant authorities to acknowledge such threats as to ensure the safety of Jewish communities, address the worrying rise of antisemitism among young people, and direct their efforts towards combating Islamism and other radical ideologies spreading among young people. European Jewry is going through difficult times and the European Union of Jewish Students reaffirm its continued, unwavering support.
