Suspected neo-Nazis in Germany attacked an “I Like Israel” booth in Germany and wounded two women and one man Saturday. One of the attackers was arrested, according to European Jewish Press (EJP).
The incident occurred in the city of Siegen, where the pro-Israel “Never Again” group stages one of 64 “I Like Israel” events in the country.
Previous events have been marked by anti-Israel protests, but “this is the first time property was destroyed and people were physically hurt,” the movement’s chairman, Sacha Staws told EJP.
“Anyone organizing Israeli events in Germany is prepared for anger, although we aim to focus beyond political lines. We are not prepared, however, for physical attacks – when that happens, it’s a big shock,” he added.
He was critical of the police for not preventing the attack and then leaving the pro-Israel booth unattended while they chased after the attackers.
Stawski, who also is the head of the Frankfurt-based pro-Israel media watchdog Honestly Israel, stated, “The boundaries between anti-Semitism and anti-Israel are shrinking rapidly. In Germany, this is becoming apparent. Five people storming a booth is not acceptable.”
“Never Again” member Daneca Ganharevt said four or five people attacked the group as it was organizing to leave. She added that except for the last-minute disturbance, the event was peaceful.
She added, “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from across the community and the media following the attack.”
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle recently pledged as speech in the United States that Germany would take a strong stand against anti-Semitism, which has increasingly become defined as anti-Zionism.