Anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Zurich: contemplation and testimonies

A 50-year-old Orthodox Jewish man has been stabbed and critically wounded by a 15-year-old terrorist in Zurich, Switzerland.

The terrorist shouted “Death to all Jews” and “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. He has been arrested by law enforcement authorities.

We live in Switzerland, a country of law, intercultural and democratic Here, there is no place for hatred of the Other. Anti-Semitism kills, the proof is there in Switzerland.

A vigil has taken place this evening with the Rabbin of Zurich and Ambassador Ifat Reshef, Embassy of Israel in Bern, Switzerland.

The 22 october, I wrote an article to denounce an anti-Semitic demonstration in Zurich and its direct consequences on young people, their unconscious, their way of representing the Jew in the world.

Zurich:an anti-Semitic demonstration planned « From the river to the sea[.] »While insults and anti-Semitic violence explode in Switzerland, Zurich will be the scene of anti-Semites in the public square, « legitimizing » and thus trivializing anti-Semitism.
The children will be treated to a nice anti-Jewish brainwashing.
Meanwhile, Jews hide their David cross, their Jewish identity…in a democratic country where anti-Semitism takes precedence over respect for Jews

The media, political authorities, politicians must take anti-Semitic propaganda seriously and put an end to it quickly with a clear message and sanctions.
Switzerland has the best schools, an excellent level of education, a heart on its sleeve, a culture of peace and living together: without concrete actions against the brainwashing of children and adolescents, the worst is yet to come.

Do you find it normal that in Switzerland, we have to hide our Star of David? The same one that we found painted on certain apartments in Switzerland to signify that a Jew lives there…in case someone wants to attack a Jew?
Do you find it normal that in French-speaking Switzerland, no Jew dares to wear the kippah in the street? That in Zurich he was stabbed by a teenager?
Is it a democracy a country where you can proudly walk down the street with your flag, but if it is Jewish, you have to hide it?

Coralie Schaffter