Synagogue in Middelburg defaced with swastikas, police started investigation

Swastikas have been sprayed-painted on the facade of the synagogue in Middelburg. In a press release, the Jewish community of Zeeland and the Stichting Synagoge Zeeland stated that they were "stunned by this act of anti-Semitism".

The daubing on the house of prayer was discovered by members of the Zeeland Jewish community around 8.30 p.m. on Saturday. "This once again evokes feelings of insecurity and fear in many people," it said in the press release. They reported the incident to the police, who have launched an investigation.

According to the police, the investigating team spoke with a witness who saw people near the synagogue around 8:15 p.m. However, it is not clear whether they are also responsible for the vandalism.

The police have taken photos and said that two swastikas were found. A neighborhood search will take place on Sunday and police will check if there is any usable video footage. An initial statement was taken from a contact at the synagogue, formal reports will follow later, the police spokesperson said.

Mayor Harald Bergmann of Middelburg calls the graffiti "unacceptable" and "hugely threatening" for the Jewish community. “It is important that we all continue to speak out against any form of anti-Semitism,” Bergmann said. "Not just today in response to what happened. But also tomorrow, next week, next month. Until it stops."

The mayor says that the municipality is doing its "best" to protect the Jewish community. He also calls on residents to remain alert and to pass on information about the graffiti or other signals to the police. "Because as far as I'm concerned, this should never happen again."

The Jewish community is dismayed

The Central Jewish Consultation said it had learned of the act "with horror". "How appalling that a defenseless old Jewish building becomes the target of anti-Semitic graffiti," said CJO chairman Chanan Hertzberger.

"The Jewish community has been an integral part of Middelburg society for more than 400 years. This third oldest place of worship in the Netherlands is tangible proof of this. I am therefore convinced that a swastika on the synagogue will not leave society in Middelburg untouched," Hertzberger said.