German authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack on the property of Brandenburg’s Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism, after a shed on his land was set on fire and extremist graffiti linked to Hamas was found nearby. The incident, which occurred while his family was at home, has been widely condemned as a serious escalation targeting an official responsible for protecting Jewish communities, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The fire broke out before dawn on Sunday at the property of Andreas Büttner, according to Brandenburg Police and statements from the commissioner himself. Although the blaze damaged a shed, Büttner and his family were not injured. Police said an “unconstitutional symbol” was discovered painted next to the structure, and they are treating the case as suspected arson.
Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor later identified the symbol as a red inverted triangle, which has been used in Hamas propaganda to mark enemy targets. The presence of the symbol has raised concerns that the attack was politically and ideologically motivated.
Büttner described the incident as a “massive escalation” directed at him personally, as well as at his family and home. He said the attack would not deter him from his work. “Anyone who believes they can achieve something through violence, arson or threats is mistaken,” he wrote. “Such acts do not make me quieter or cause me to question my commitment – they strengthen me in what I do.”
Senior officials in Brandenburg strongly condemned the attack. Minister President Dietmar Woidke and Interior Minister René Wilke said in a joint statement that extremism has no place in the state and that “violence against persons or property is and remains absolutely unacceptable.”
Prosor also expressed solidarity with Büttner and his family, arguing that the attack reflects the violent nature of radical elements within the pro-Palestinian movement. He said the use of Hamas symbolism shows how antisemitism, support for terrorism and hostility to democratic values are closely linked. He added that the rule of law must act decisively against such groups before further attacks occur.
photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT
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