Hamburg police have launched an investigation after Stefan Hensel, the city’s Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism, was targeted in a road rage incident believed to be motivated by antisemitic hatred. The suspect, a 57-year-old Jordanian citizen, allegedly attempted to run Hensel’s car off the road after hearing a Hebrew song playing from it, reports YNetNews.
The incident occurred on May 25 at around 7 p.m., shortly after Hensel had picked up his young daughter from the swimming pool. In an effort to keep her awake during the drive home, he played “Tamid Ohev Oti,” a Hebrew pop song by Sasson Shaulov. While stopped at a red light, a blue Opel van pulled up alongside. The driver demanded Hensel roll down his window, then launched into a tirade, calling him a “baby killer” and a “dirty Israeli,” and challenging him to “get out of the car if you’re a man.”
When the light turned green, Hensel attempted to drive away, but the suspect pursued and reportedly tried to force his vehicle off the road. Spotting a police patrol, Hensel pulled over, locked his daughter inside the car for safety, and ran to the officers for help. The attacker followed and continued shouting threats, even in the presence of the police.
Additional officers were called to the scene. The man was questioned and his phone confiscated, but he was not arrested due to what police described as “insufficient grounds.” A formal investigation has been opened to determine whether the incident qualifies as a politically motivated hate crime.
“I’m shocked and shaken by this man’s violent reaction—all because of a Hebrew song,” Hensel told Bild. “It shows just how dangerously far Islamist antisemitism has gone. You don’t even have to be Jewish to be targeted—it’s enough to sing along to a Hebrew song with your child. I was truly afraid, especially for my little girl who had to witness all of this.”
Hamburg’s Mayor Peter Tschentscher condemned the incident, saying: “It is frightening and shameful, especially in light of Germany’s historical responsibility toward Israel and Jewish life in our country. The Senate supports the Jewish community and is committed to protecting it.”
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the growing threat of antisemitic violence in Germany, where attacks rooted in Islamist ideology continue to raise alarms across political and civil society.
Photo credit: Marcus Brandt/dpa
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