In a shocking incident at the Nożyk Synagogue in Warsaw, Poland, an unknown perpetrator attacked the building with firebombs in the early hours of Wednesday. Fortunately, minimal damage was sustained, and no injuries were reported, according to Poland’s chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich.
Political leaders and faith leaders alike have strongly condemned the attack. Poland’s President Andrzej Duda expressed his outrage, stating, “There is no place for antisemitism in Poland! There is no place for hatred in Poland!” Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski also weighed in, questioning the timing of the attack on the 20th anniversary of Poland joining the European Union.
The incident has sparked concerns about a climate of fear and rising antisemitism in Europe. France’s experience with a Russian online destabilization campaign targeting the Jewish community serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of such acts.
Polish authorities are currently working to identify the perpetrators of the attack on the Nożyk Synagogue. Deputy Commissioner Jacek Wiśniewski from the Warsaw Police Headquarters emphasized that apprehending those responsible is their top priority.
Poland, once home to a thriving Jewish population, now only has a few thousand Jewish residents. The attack on the Nożyk Synagogue serves as a grim reminder of the importance of combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance in society.