An anti-Semitic attack has caused consternation in Berlin. Politicians have called for more moral courage. Jews in the German capital have expressed fear, while Jewish organizations worldwide demanded more security.
The attack was completely unexpected for Rabbi Daniel Alter, who was walking down the road with his 6-year-old daughter. Four young men jumped the 53-year-old, beat him viciously and threatened to kill his child. Before attacking Alter, who was wearing a kippa, the men asked him if he was Jewish.
Alter, who later underwent surgery for a cheekbone fracture, described his attackers as Arab-looking. The beating did not take place in one of Berlin's districts with a large number of Arab immigrants - it happened in affluent suburb Friedenau, southwest of the city.
There were also clear signals from members of Germany's Muslim
community. Aiman Mazyek, chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in
Germany, said such acts caused "deep revulsion" among Muslims. He then
professed solidarity and empathy with all Jews in Germany. Other Muslim
associations joined Mazyek in condemning all religious hate and
violence.
In the coming week, 80 leading Jews and Muslims from 18 European
countries will meet in Paris. The conference, which has long been
planned, has now gained extra significance because of the violence in
Berlin. The European Jewish Congress has already said it intends to make
the attack on Alter a main talking point.
Read more: Attack on Berlin rabbi sparks outrage and debate | Germany | DW.DE | 01.09.2012
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