Anti-Semitic attack at the Vienna Central Cemetery: Fire broke out in a ceremonial hall in the Jewish part of the cemetery on Wednesday night. The outer walls were daubed with swastikas. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution has now taken over the investigation.
The professional fire department was alerted around 8 a.m. On site it turned out that the fire had already broken out in the next room on Wednesday night. When the emergency services arrived, the fire had already largely extinguished itself. The building was temporarily closed by the authorities, according to a statement from the Israelite Community (IGK). There is significant property damage. However, graves could be visited. Swastikas were also sprayed on the outer walls of the building. Since the crime was apparently politically and religiously motivated, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution has now taken over the investigation. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) speaks of an attack. “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society and will be fought with all political and legal means. I hope the perpetrators will be identified quickly,” said Nehammer on in Austria,” he condemned the crime “in the strongest possible terms.” The investigative authorities are now required to quickly investigate the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “Together we will ward off these disgusting threats against Jewish culture and protect Jewish life in Austria,” assured Kogler. “The news about the fire in the Jewish part of the central cemetery shocks me deeply,” Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) also wrote on the Platform X. “Peaceful and respectful coexistence is the top priority in our city. It is our historic obligation to protect Jewish life and institutions.”“It is truly frightening! Anti-Semitism has no place in our society, no matter which direction it comes from,” emphasized Sabine Schatz, SPÖ spokeswoman for the culture of remembrance. “We stand together against such anti-Semitic attacks and attacks,” emphasized NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger. “Never again is now.” Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community, called on everyone to come to the sea of lights at Vienna’s Heldenplatz tomorrow, Thursday at 6 p.m. “Take a stand against anti-Semitism and misanthropy. For an end to the attacks on Israel, Judaism and democracy, for the liberation of all hostages.”
source site-12