Attack on Nożyk Synagogue in Warsaw
On Wednesday, the main synagogue in Poland’s capital city of Warsaw, the Nożyk Synagogue, was targeted by an attack involving three firebombs or Molotov cocktails. The incident occurred at around 1 am, causing minimal damage to the synagogue with no reported injuries.
Details of the Attack
According to Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich, the perpetrators carried out the attack in the early hours of the morning, leaving a visible black area near a ground-floor window of the synagogue. The police have initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the shameful act.
President Duda’s Condemnation
Polish President Andrzej Duda strongly condemned the attack on the Nożyk Synagogue, emphasizing that there is no place for anti-Semitism or hatred in Poland. The incident coincided with the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union, raising concerns about potential motives behind the attack.
International Response
Following the attack, ambassadors from the United States and Israel, along with Jewish community leaders and Polish officials, visited the site to show solidarity and condemn the violence. US Ambassador Mark Brzezinski highlighted the symbolic importance of the Nożyk synagogue as a beacon of survival.
With inputs from various agencies, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities in Poland and the importance of unity in combating acts of hatred and intolerance.