Gießen unites against antisemitism after synagogue arson attack
Around 300 people gathered in Gießen's Kircheplatz on Sunday to stand in solidarity with the city's Jewish community. The rally followed an arson attack on the local synagogue earlier this month. Organisers stressed the need to defend democratic values against rising antisemitism. The attack took place on January 13, when a 32-year-old man set fire to a trash container outside the synagogue's entrance. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is now held in a psychiatric facility. Gießen's Jewish community, which maintains the city's only active synagogue, has since received widespread support.
The rally was organised by the city and 50 groups, including police, religious communities, trade unions, and political parties. Speakers such as Police President Torsten Krückemeier, City Council Chair Joachim Grußdorf, and DGB union leader Klaus Zecher addressed the crowd. Actor Roman Kurtz also read a joint statement from Gießen's political factions. Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher called the attack an assault on the city's sense of security and belonging. He warned that antisemitism threatens society as a whole. Musical performances by Benjamin Schneider and Laura Baradé added to the event's reflective tone. Dow Aviv, chairman of the Jewish community, closed the rally with the words: *'The demonstration ends now, but our responsibility never does.'*
The show of unity comes as Gießen's Jewish population, though small, remains active. The city's synagogue is one of just two or three in the wider Mittelhessen region. Sunday's event highlighted ongoing efforts to protect Jewish life and uphold democratic principles.
