Rabbi assaulted by knife-wielding woman in antisemitic attack in Vienna, Austria
A rabbi was reportedly kicked and attacked at knifepoint in Vienna by a woman who stole his kippah while shouting antisemitic abuse.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of 26th November when the woman, described as around 50-years-old and wearing a grey coat, approached the rabbi and took out the weapon from her handbag. She subsequently kicked the victim in the leg, knocked his hat from his head and tore off his kippah before fleeing from the scene. It has been reported that the attacker screamed “slaughter all Jews” throughout the incident.
Local police attended the scene, however they were unable to trace the suspect or gain a clear description of her. The rabbi reportedly told the authorities that he had suffered no physical injuries.
The country’s Interior Minister described the crime as an “attack on Jewish life in Vienna”, and expressed a zero tolerance for antisemitism as the case was taken over by Austria’s counter-terrorism and extremism agency.
Across the capital, residents have expressed concern at the alarming spate of recent attacks. On 3rd November, two gunmen opened fire near to Vienna’s central synagogue and three people were killed with several others injured. Although it is not presently believed that this incident was motivated by antisemitic sentiments, the Interior Minister has reassured residents that there will be greater protection of synagogues and “all measures” are currently being taken to ensure a similar incident does not occur.
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