An Orthodox Jewish man was physically assaulted and subjected to antisemitic abuse in Zurich on Monday evening, in an attack that city leaders and Jewish organisations have condemned as deeply disturbing. The incident adds to growing concerns about antisemitic violence in Switzerland, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The attack took place in the Wiedikon district, where a 26-year-old Orthodox Jewish man was punched shortly after leaving his home. Police said the attacker, a 40-year-old man of Kosovan origin, directed antisemitic insults at the victim during the assault. Several passersby intervened, restrained the attacker, and held him until police arrived. Officers reported that the suspect continued making antisemitic statements even in their presence.
The victim sustained injuries to his body and neck. He later expressed gratitude to the bystanders who intervened, with city officials praising their actions as an example of civic courage.
Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch and the city council issued a joint condemnation of the attack, describing it as “shocking.” In a statement, the council said the incident underscored the importance of remaining vigilant against antisemitism and ensuring the safety of Jewish residents.
“This cowardly act deeply affects the city council,” the statement said. “The commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting our Jewish fellow citizens must remain a priority.”
Mayor Mauch also voiced her solidarity with the victim. “The attack shows in a shocking way that the fight against antisemitism remains enormously important,” she said. “This requires all of us. As an open and solidary society, we all stand by our Jewish fellow citizens.”
The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) said the attack was clearly antisemitic and not random. The organisation warned that Jewish people in Switzerland are increasingly being targeted for insults and physical violence simply because of their appearance and identity.
SIG noted that antisemitic incidents have risen sharply since October 2023 and called on authorities to ensure that such attacks are consistently prosecuted and explicitly recognised as antisemitic crimes.
Photo credit: REUTERS/ARND WIEGMANN
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