Switzerland: Muslim Protesters Attempt to Storm Synagogue

Young Muslims behind alarming spike in European anti-Semitism

Reuters

Muslim anti-Israel demonstrators attempted to force their way into a synagogue in Switzerland, the latest in a string of attacks on synagogues in Europe.

The protest took place on Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath, in front of the Beth Yaakov, or Grande, Synagogue in Geneva, according to JTA.

The Intercommunity Coordination Against Anti-Semitism and Defamation watchdog organization (CICAD) reported that a Muslim woman wearing a 
niqab (veil) first attempted to enter the place of worship while waving a PLO flag and holding a placard saying "Every synagogue is an Israeli embassy" on Saturday morning but was prevented from doing so.

The woman then returned that night accompanied by three men, and a second Muslim woman also then attempted to enter the synagogue.

The group told police they were simply exercising their right to protest and promised to return the following Saturday.
CICAD said the incident was the first of its kind since the the start of Operation Protective Edge, and said it set a dangerous precedent.

"With this first public demonstration of hostility towards the Jewish community in Geneva since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, an unacceptable step was taken," the anti-hate group said.

"Synagogues should not become the new places of expression of hatred against Israel," it added, calling on politicians and supporters of the 
"Palestinian cause" to condemn such anti-Semitic attacks.

Europe has seen a shocking rise in anti-Semitism since the start of the escalation between Israel and Gazan terrorist groups, with anti-Semitic incidents being reported on a daily basis.

Most attacks have been carried out by Muslims, and a significant number have targeted synagogues specifically.
Several high-profile attacks occurred in France, including an attempt by a Muslim mob to storm a Paris synagogue (the first in a string of similar attacks), and an incident in which two Muslim youths threatened worshippers with an assault rifle.

In Germany, a man was arrested late last month for firebombing a synagogue.

In several other countries, synagogues have been targeted by anti-Semitic vandals who have shattered windows and daubed anti-Israel and anti-Semitic graffiti.