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Warsaw Synagogue Attacked With Firebombs, Minimal Damage

Fire damage is visible on the façade of the Nożyk Synagogue in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The synagogue was attacked with firebombs in the night by an unknown perpetrator, but sustaine

Warsaw's main synagogue was targeted in an attack with firebombs during the night, as reported by Poland's chief rabbi. Fortunately, the Nozyk Synagogue sustained minimal damage and no injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 1 a.m., with the synagogue being hit by three firebombs, also known as Molotov cocktails. The synagogue's American-born chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, expressed gratitude that the damage was limited, attributing it to luck or perhaps a miracle. A blackened area, likely from flames, was visible on one part of the building.

Poland's President strongly denounced the attack, emphasizing that there is no place for antisemitism or hatred in Poland. The Foreign Minister also commented on the timing of the incident, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the European Union. He expressed relief that no one was harmed and questioned the motives behind the attack, drawing parallels to previous incidents in Paris involving Stars of David.

Last year, France revealed that it had been targeted by a Russian online campaign aimed at sowing discord and confusion regarding Stars of David painted on Parisian streets. This misinformation campaign fueled concerns about rising antisemitism during a period of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Poland, once home to Europe's largest Jewish community before the Holocaust, now has only a small Jewish population of a few thousand individuals.

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