Fiery Assault: Berlin Synagogue Targeted by Molotov Cocktail Attack in Shocking Dawn Incident

German security services are currently investigating an incident where two Molotov cocktails were thrown towards a synagogue in Berlin during the early hours of Wednesday. According to a post made by the Berlin police on X, the incident occurred around 3:45 am local time (9:45 pm ET) at the synagogue located on Brunnenstraße street in the central district of Mitte.

According to authorities, the flaming bottles were hurled onto the pavement and subsequently extinguished. A 30-year-old man, who was riding an e-scooter along the street, discarded it before rushing towards the synagogue. The individual displayed resistance during the arrest, while simultaneously voicing anti-Israel slogans, as the police attempted to detain him.

Germanys state level security agency, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, is investigating the incident, according to police.

A police officer stands guard in front of the building complex.

Markus Schreiber/AP

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in the aftermath of the attack, spoke out against violence targeting Jewish institutions, without specifically mentioning the incident. "The acts of violence perpetrated against Jewish institutions, along with the abhorrent riots that have unfolded on our streets, are not only inhumane but also repugnant, and they must not be condoned," expressed Scholz.

"Germany unequivocally rejects antisemitism. We extend our gratitude to the security forces, particularly in light of this circumstance. The Israeli embassy in Berlin has also denounced the incident and urges German authorities to respond to antisemitic assaults with unwavering determination."

The German government had previously warned that it would not tolerate any antisemitic behavior following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Police stand outside the complex following a pre-dawn attack on October 18, 2023 in Berlin, Germany.

Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Following the attack by Hamas on October 7, the presence of Palestinian flag-waving individuals seemingly celebrating on German streets has prompted an increase in policing in Germany. Alongside Germany, other European countries such as France and the UK have also heightened security measures out of concerns regarding potential attacks targeting the Jewish community.

The Metropolitan Police of London has declared its intention to augment policing patrols throughout the city with the objective of ensuring a visible presence and reassurance to the local communities. Similarly, the French Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, has announced plans to reinforce security in and around places of worship and Jewish establishments in France.