Arson Attack on Jewish Cemetery: Fire Was Set in Two Places

Kurier, November 1, 2023

German original: https://kurier.at/chronik/wien/brandanschlag-auf-dem-juedischen-teil-des-wiener-zentralfriedhofs/402653096

By Uwe Mauch, Michaela Reibenwein

A fire was set in front of the ceremonial hall of the new Jewish cemetery at Vienna's Zentral. Visitors on All Saints' Day were shocked, angry and uncomprehending.

On Wednesday night, a fire was set in the Jewish section of Vienna's Central Cemetery (IV Gate). This was reported by Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community of Vienna and the Federal Association of Jewish Communities in Austria.

A few hours later it was clear that the fire had started in two places. Arson is therefore certain. However, no accelerants could be identified at first. Whether a window was smashed - or burst by the flames - was still unclear at first.

The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the police fire brigade are investigating the arson.

According to Deutsch, the vestibule of the ceremonial hall was burnt out. Swastikas were sprayed on the outer walls. No persons were injured, the amount of property damage cannot yet be quantified.

Temporary closure

The emergency services were alerted shortly after 8 a.m. on Wednesday, said fire department spokesman Gerald Schimpf. An outbuilding of the domed building, the so-called ceremonial hall, was affected. It had "probably already been burning there during the night," explained the spokesman. However, the fire had largely extinguished itself. The fire department fought the embers and ventilated the smoke-filled rooms.

The building was temporarily closed by the authorities, according to a statement from the IKG. There was considerable material damage. However, graves could be visited. Deutsch called on people to come to the sea of lights at Vienna's Heldenplatz tomorrow, Thursday, at 6 pm. "Take a stand against antisemitism and misanthropy. For an end to the attacks on Israel, Judaism and democracy, for the liberation of all hostages."

Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor react

"I condemn the attack on the Jewish cemetery in Vienna in the strongest possible terms", tweeted Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) on the public holiday. "Antisemitism has no place in our society and will be combated with all political and constitutional means. I hope the perpetrators will be tracked down quickly."

Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) also expressed his horror: "The antisemitic arson attack at the Central Cemetery is another act of completely unacceptable aggression against the security of Jewish life in Austria" and he condemned the act "in the strongest possible terms." The investigating authorities are now called upon to find the perpetrators quickly and bring them to justice. "Together we will fend off these disgusting threats against Jewish culture and protect Jewish life in Austria," Kogler assured.

"The news about the fire in the Jewish section of the Central Cemetery shakes me to the core," wrote Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) on Platform X. "Peaceful and respectful coexistence is a top priority in our city. It is our historical obligation to protect Jewish life and Jewish institutions."

SPÖ leader Andreas Babler also condemned the antisemitic attack and expressed his full solidarity with the Jewish community. "Antisemitism, hatred and violence have no place in Austria. The protection of the Jewish community must have top priority. We stand side by side with all Jews. Never again is now."

"It's really frightening! Antisemitism has no place in our society, regardless of where it comes from," emphasized Sabine Schatz, SPÖ spokesperson for remembrance culture. "We stand together against such antisemitic attacks and assaults," also emphasized NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger. "Never again is now."

"The desecration of Jewish cemeteries is one of the most cowardly and disgusting forms of antisemitic violence", said the community rabbi of the IKG Vienna, Schlomo Hofmeister, outraged. "The arsonists left behind beer bottles and swastikas. I hope we don't hear the words from anyone now: 'rascals', 'isolated incident' or 'Halloween' to 'explain' anything here."