Increased concerns about anti-Semitic sentiments highlighted by Israeli diplomat

Rising concern over anti-Jewish sentiments voiced by Israeli diplomat - Growing anti-Semitism addressed by Israeli diplomat

In Munich, Germany, the Consulate General has been the target of another attack, marking a concerning escalation in anti-Semitic incidents. The attacker, an 18-year-old Austrian, was killed after a brief exchange of fire with police, lasting twelve minutes.

The attacker, armed with a bolt-action rifle from former Swiss Army stocks, targeted the Consulate General and the nearby NS Documentation Center. Following the incident, security measures at the consulate were tightened, with some measures being one of the reasons for the quick and efficient handling of the attack attempt.

Consul General Talya Lador-Fresher, based in Munich, has expressed her concern about the rising anti-Semitism in the city. She stated that anti-Semitism is not only directed towards Israel but also towards Germans and Europeans living peacefully in the West. Lador-Fresher did not specify any particular political sides that have contributed to anti-Semitism in Munich, beyond mentioning the radical Islamic side.

Last year, the Israeli consulate in Munich was the target of a similar attack. Lador-Fresher did not mention any specific German politicians who have condemned the attack, but she did thank those who have clearly and unequivocally done so. She also urged society to stand up against anti-Semitism and expressed a wish for more backbone.

Lador-Fresher has been vocal about the importance of maintaining and deepening the relationships between Israel and Germany. She has warned that activists or groups opposing Israeli government policies could be contributing to the growing anti-Semitism in Munich. This was evident in the controversy over the cancelled concert of the Munich Philharmonic with Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, whose role was criticized by activists accusing him of ties to a "genocidal regime in Tel Aviv"—a narrative linked to rising antisemitic sentiments in public protests and cultural events.

After the attack, internal investigations were conducted, leading to additional tightening of individual security measures at the Munich Consulate General. Lador-Fresher did not specify what these additional measures entail. She has urged society to take a stand against anti-Semitism and to promote peace and understanding between nations.