Trial over arson attack on Jewish central cemetery in Vienna collapsed!

Trial over arson attack on Jewish central cemetery in Vienna collapsed!

An arson attack on the Jewish part of Vienna's Central Cemetery caused excitement and consternation last year. On November 1, 2023, a serious crime was committed at night, which now brings with it a further legal disadvantage for the victims: the trial against the 27-year-old defendant, which was supposed to take place at the Vienna Regional Court on December 9, 2023, has been canceled. The reason for this is that the man cannot be reached and the load has not yet been delivered to him courier reported.

The defendant already has a previous conviction for property crimes and is suspected of setting fire to the anteroom of the cemetery's ceremonial hall with an accelerant. In this devastating incident, not only was the anteroom completely destroyed, but also valuable religious materials such as a Torah shrine without Torah scrolls and numerous old books were irretrievably lost. In addition, the outer wall of the cemetery was defaced with swastikas and right-wing extremist symbols. The material damage was estimated by the Israelite Community at a high six-figure sum.

A rise in anti-Semitic incidents

The act is part of a worrying development in Austria, where anti-Semitic attacks have increased sharply in recent months. In the second half of 2023, the Jewish Community of Vienna reported 76 incidents within just 13 days. Over 700 anti-Semitic incidents were documented in 2022, which equated to around two incidents per day. These alarming figures cannot be ignored, especially since the massacre on October 7, 2023, which shocked the public and increased reported anti-Semitic incidents by almost 60% compared to the previous year. The Equal Treatment Attorney points out that many affected people do not report anti-Semitic discrimination out of fear of consequences or the assumption that nothing will change.

Various attacks have been reported in recent months, including arson and swastika graffiti, as well as intimidation of Jewish children in schools. This makes it clear that society in Austria is called upon to deal more intensively with the issue of anti-Semitism and to take preventive measures.

Perspectives and support for those affected

However, amidst this worrying situation, there are also offers of help. The IKG anti-Semitism reporting center offers support for those affected and helps with reporting attacks. The Equal Treatment Ombudsman, which has been taking action against discrimination based on religion and ethnicity since 2004 with the Equal Treatment Act, also points out the need to extend the ban on discrimination in all areas.

The arson attack on the central cemetery not only highlights the dangers of anti-Semitic attacks, but also the challenges that exist in prosecuting such crimes. It remains to be seen whether the defendant can be caught and stands trial. However, the situation requires society to take a clear stance against hatred and discrimination.