German antisemitism tsar’s shed set on fire as Hamas symbol painted nearby

[Missing Credit]An inverted red triangle found near the property of Andreas Büttner, Brandenburg’s antisemitism commissioner (Credit: Social media)

Police said the investigation into the suspected arson attack is ongoing.

The attack is the second against Büttner in 16 months, after his car was defaced with a swastika in August 2024.

Posting to social media on Sunday, Büttner said the arson and vandalism have left him and his family physically unharmed but “deeply shaken”.

“This attack represents a massive escalation,” he said. “It is directed against me personally, against my family, and against my home. At the same time, it is an expression of hatred and intimidation. I will not be intimidated by it.

“Anyone who believes they can achieve anything through violence, arson, or threats is mistaken. Such acts do not lead to me becoming quieter or questioning my commitment – they strengthen my resolve. I ask that we be given the necessary peace and quiet today and that further enquiries be refrained from at this time.”

Brandenburg’s most senior politicians, Minister-President Dietmar Woidke and Interior Minister Rene Wilke, both condemned Sunday’s attack and said such violence is “absolutely unacceptable”. Wilke said the attack was “despicable” and that the state government would continue to support Büttner, whose role is “performing a special service to the state and its people”.

Germany experienced a record number of antisemitic incidents in 2024, with 8,627 incidents reported – nearly double the number in 2023 (4,782). On average, this was about 24 incidents a day. In 2022, the year preceding the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, there was an average of 7 reported antisemitic incidents a day in the country.