Documentation: the movement made by the suspect just before setting fire to the synagogue

A man in his 30s, a German citizen, was arrested on suspicion of setting fire to the “Beit Jacob” synagogue, in the student city of Giessen in central Germany. In the footage from the security cameras at the scene, the suspect is seen saluting with his hand seconds before setting fire to cans standing at the entrance, which increases the suspicion that the motive is actually anti-Semitic. According to reports in the local media, the fire that broke out was quickly extinguished – damage was caused to the electrical system and the front door.

Dov Aviv, chairman of the Jewish community of Giessen, told the local Jewish weekly: “Our nanny lives in this building and was at home with her husband at the time of the incident. A number of students from the community live there as well.” The police and the local prosecutor’s office stated that the suspicion that the motive is anti-Semitic has not yet been confirmed.

It was also stated in the full statement published by the Giessen police, that during the investigation “signs indicating mental illness were discovered in the suspect and he was sent for observation.” The Bild newspaper stated that he has since been hospitalized in a psychiatric institution.

The Orthodox community in Gisen in the state of Hassan, has over 300 members, and this is the most serious attack it has suffered in recent years. Despite this, its members are not surprised: “It was only a matter of time,” a senior member of the community told the local press. “For all of us, those who carry a Jewish appearance, life has changed radically in recent years. We have a great police chief – but the Ministry of the Interior needs to reconsider the arrangements for protecting the community,” he added.