Afghan Man Attempts Arson Attack on German Synagogue

A 37-year-old man of Afghan origin attempted to set fire to a synagogue in Wuppertal, western Germany, on Thursday. Local police reported that synagogue staff quickly extinguished the flames, with no injuries and only minor damage to the building. Investigators believe the suspect targeted a side entrance. The man has been arrested and is currently being questioned. The synagogue is under near constant police surveillance, which may have aided in the swift apprehension of the suspect. His identity has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive and circumstances of the attack. The Israeli Embassy in Germany strongly condemned the incident, stating on X, "Thank God no one was hurt. This is the direct result of media coverage against Israel and incitement to hatred against Jews." The embassy added that perpetrators of such acts are not concerned with academic debates on antisemitism versus anti-Zionism, but act on their hatred, calling for a "bulwark against antisemitism" and "zero tolerance."