The Bergische Synagogue in Wuppertal was struck Thursday afternoon when a man hurled bags of flammable liquid toward the building and set a second on the side entrance. The fire ignited within minutes but was contained by the synagogue's security team before it could spread. No one was hurt. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene before the blaze could worsen, but police recovered him within hours. Investigators allege he acted alone.
Police recorded antisemitic comments from the suspect at the scene, according to the German Press Agency. The 37‑year‑old, named Mohammad Yusef, had a prior conviction for threatening a neighbor, a detail prosecutors highlighted. His remarks echoed the hateful rhetoric that has been on the rise in parts of Germany. The arrest was the first of its kind since the 2014 incident involving Palestinian attackers.
Mayor Johannes Slawig called the incident "utterly despicable" and pledged solidarity with the city's Jewish residents. Central Council president Josef Schuster likened the attack to a "progressive normalization of hatred toward Jews." The European Jewish Congress urged communities to remain vigilant ahead of Yom Kippur.
The case will proceed to the district court in May, where prosecutors will file formal charges. German officials say the arrest demonstrates the state's commitment to preventing hate‑crime. Meanwhile, Yom Kippur services across the country are proceeding with heightened security. Residents in Wuppertal have expressed relief that the threat was neutralized before the holiday.