An Orthodox Jewish man was stabbed multiple times in Zurich on Saturday night by a knifeman who reportedly shouted “death to all Jews” and “Allah Akbar” during the attack.
A 50-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was fatally stabbed multiple times at the intersection of Brandschenke and Zernau streets in the second district of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
according to Swiss German newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung, a 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene of the attack. Police are currently investigating potential motives for the attack, including the possibility that it was inspired by anti-Semitism.
The name and background of the alleged knife attacker have not yet been released.
police Said “The ongoing investigation by the Zurich Cantonal Police and the Responsible Youth Prosecutor’s Office is moving in all directions and clearly includes the possibility of anti-Semitic crimes,” NTV said in a statement.
but, according to Witnesses to the attack said the boy shouted “Death to all Jews” and the jihadist battle cry “Allah Akbar” before stabbing the man, local news outlet 20 Minutes reported. Police have so far not confirmed these reports.
According to acquaintances, the victim (50) is currently in critical but stable condition and has been admitted to a hospital.
Jewish man stabbed six times in the back in anti-Semitic attack in Paris https://t.co/FEvqH6EZ5L
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) February 15, 2024
Local lawmaker Jehuda Szpilman, who knew the victims personally, said she believed the attack was inspired by anti-Semitism, adding: “It’s shocking, but unfortunately the atmosphere since October 7… “Given that, this action is not a complete surprise.” ”
“We can’t give every Jew a bodyguard,” the lawmaker said, adding that criticism of the Israeli government should be protected, but he also noted the violent rhetoric seen at ongoing pro-Palestinian protests and rallies. should raise questions, he added.
“We have to ask ourselves, what kind of atmosphere was there in recent months that would have led us to think that such an action was justified,” Spielman said.
The Swiss Israeli Community Association (SIG) said it was “deeply shocked” by the attack and called on the country’s Jewish community to proceed with “care and caution” in the meantime. Security at Jewish facilities has also been tightened following the stabbing.
The group said that while attacks on Jews are rare in Switzerland, there has been a significant increase in violence since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, which left around 1,200 people dead and many more. He said 100 people had been taken prisoner by Palestinian Islamists.
Anti-Semitic incidents have increased by 320 percent since Hamas attacked Israel, watchdog group says https://t.co/11TJVRiBgd
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) November 29, 2023
