After the knife attack on an Orthodox Jew in Zurich on Saturday evening, details are gradually becoming known. According to witnesses, shortly before the crime, the 15-year-old shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great” in Arabic) and “Death to all Jews.”
The ‘Neue Zürcher Zeitung’ reported online on Sunday that it was a Swiss man with Arabic roots. As reported, a 50-year-old Orthodox Jew was seriously injured with a knife in central Zurich. The suspected perpetrator was arrested on the spot. The victim was taken to hospital and is now out of danger.
The security measures have been tightened
The police are investigating, among other things, an anti-Semitic motive. Witnesses reported that shortly before the crime, the 15-year-old shouted “Death to all Jews” and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is the greatest”). The city police have consulted with Jewish organizations and have increased security measures around places with Jewish connections as a precaution. A vigil was held Sunday evening.
Here are two photos from the vigil.
“Very dangerous trend”
The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) reacted with shock after the knife attack. Since the terrorist attack on Israel by the militant Palestinian organization Hamas, there has been a “very dangerous trend” of using the war in the Gaza Strip as a justification for attacks on Jews. The cowardly act in his hometown also saddened him because the alleged attacker was a teenager, CER President Pinchas Goldschmidt said.
In fact, the number of anti-Semitic incidents in Switzerland has increased since the start of the war. In the west of the country, anti-Semitic incidents have increased by 68 percent in 2023. Almost half of these took place after October 7.
No immediate danger
However, the Swiss Association of Jewish Communities (SIG) does not expect any immediate danger to Jewish people and institutions. Members of the Jewish community should still exercise caution.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
