A German kosher café was attacked by a gang of youths on Wednesday, according to the Leipzig Police and HaMakom Exhibition and Café, causing damage and injuries as they threw bottles and attempted to break a window.
An employee had spotted two children attempting to steal an Israeli flag displayed at the cafe, but they departed when confronted.
The youths returned with six other children and teenagers, and threw full plastic bottles at an employee, who the police said sustained minor injuries to her leg.
The attack continued with the gang shouting racist and inflammatory remarks, and attempting to break into the cafe by striking a window with a display stand. The damage to the café was estimated at approximately 100 euros.
Police identified the suspects, aged 11 and 10, as repeat juvenile offenders known to law enforcement. An investigation was opened for property damage, aggravated assault, and incitement to hatred.
The café, which is owned by a local evangelical church, said that the attack was “characterized by violence and hatred of Israel.”
“We continue to stand in friendship with Jewish life and against all forms of hatred of Jews and Israel. This hatred was not directed at us. It is the atmosphere that our Jewish friends unfortunately often experience in various ways from different social groups. All hatred blinds,” HaMakom said in a statement. “Am Yisrael chai – the people of Israel live!”
