Düsseldorf's Jewish Community Marks 20 & 25 Years Since Deadly Antisemitic Attacks
The Jewish community in Düsseldorf prepares to commemorate the victims of two antisemitic attacks that occurred 20 and 25 years ago. The events, which included an arson attack on a synagogue and a bombing at a S-Bahn station, left a lasting impact on the community and sparked outrage across Germany.
On October 2, 2000, an arson attack on the synagogue in Düsseldorf caused property damage but fortunately no casualties. Just over a year later, on October 7, 2001, a Hamas terror attack claimed lives and injured many. The community will remember both events this year.
These attacks, along with a bombing at the Wehrhahn S-Bahn station two months earlier, shook the community and led to widespread demonstrations of solidarity. Despite the support, many Jewish community members still fear identifying themselves outside protected spaces.
Two perpetrators were sentenced for the synagogue attack in 2001. However, the attack on the synagogue in 2000 and the bombing at the S-Bahn station remain unsolved. While the neo-Nazi terrorist group NSU was later revealed to be responsible for a series of violent crimes, no official connection has been established between the NSU and these attacks.
Michael Szentei-Heise, former administrative director of the Jewish Community of Düsseldorf, emphasizes the need for continued vigilance. The community, while resilient, still feels the impact of these attacks. As they remember the victims, they also stand united against antisemitism.
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