(August 24, 2020 / JNS)
Austrian authorities announced the arrest on Monday of a 31-year-old Syrian refugee in connection with the assault on the head of the Jewish community in Graz on Saturday.
“Investigators believe that there was an Islamist motive. Corresponding evidence was seized at his apartment,” said Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer, according to AP.
The suspect is also believed to be linked with damage to a Catholic church and an LGBT community center, said Nehammer.
The victim, Elie Rosen, was attacked with a piece of wood after approaching the suspect, who had been throwing stones into the courtyard of a synagogue, according to the report. Rosen escaped the incident without harm, and the assailant fled the scene.
The suspect had been living in Austria since 2013. Police found stones in his backpack and a chair leg that he allegedly used to attack Rosen, said Nehammer, according to AP.
According to the Austrian Press Agency, he ordered all synagogues to be guarded around the clock.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he was “shaken” by the attack. He promised to bring the perpetrator to justice quickly and to ensure the security of Austria’s Jews, according to the report.
Support Jewish Journalism
with 2020 Vision
One of the most intriguing stories of the sudden Coronavirus crisis is the role of the internet. With individuals forced into home quarantine, most are turning further online for information, education and social interaction.
JNS's influence and readership are growing exponentially, and our positioning sets us apart. Most Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas. JNS is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
During this crisis, JNS continues working overtime. We are being relied upon to tell the story of this crisis as it affects Israel and the global Jewish community, and explain the extraordinary political developments taking place in parallel.
Our ability to thrive in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters. Monthly donations in particular go a long way in helping us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make during these challenging times. We thank you for your ongoing support and wish you blessings for good health and peace of mind.