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Arson attack in Frankfurt: A death and the shadow of hatred
An open day will take place at the Jewish Museum Frankfurt on October 25, 2025. Michel Bergmann's last crime novel is presented at a reading while the city is confronted with increasing anti-Semitism.
Arson attack in Frankfurt: A death and the shadow of hatred
On October 25, 2025, the city of Frankfurt will remain in the public eye. On this day, the “Open Day” is celebrated at the Jewish Museum, but the events are overshadowed by a tragic incident: an arson attack on the kosher restaurant Shuk claimed the life of kitchen helper Patrice Sankara, who originally came from Burkina Faso. Police have identified a well-known right-wing extremist as the suspected perpetrator, but Henry Silberstein, a Frankfurt rabbi and investigator, has expressed doubts about this theory. The entire situation sheds a worrying light on the social tensions in the region and the way anti-Semitism is dealt with in Germany.
This arson attack is not the first incident of its kind. According to statistic.de, there has been a worrying increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany in recent years, which have intensified particularly in the context of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. As recently as 2022, over 2,600 anti-Semitic crimes were registered, with most of the crimes falling into the spectrum of right-wing crime. The increase in such acts has been particularly dramatic since the Covid-19 pandemic, which has resulted in an increase in anti-Semitic statements and violence throughout Germany.
A significant cultural event
Despite these grim circumstances, the Jewish Museum is determined to celebrate culture. The “Open Day” not only marks the posthumous publication of the crime novel “You shall not lie” by Michel Bergmann, who died in 2023 at the age of 80, but also offers a platform for conversations and discussions about the rights of Jews in Germany. The reading is conducted by well-known personalities such as Ilja Richter and Vivian Kanner and is an expression of cultural resilience).
The museum's director, Mirjam Wenzel, aims to position the house as a digital pioneer, including developing a TikTok channel to reach younger audiences. Nevertheless, the museum also has to contend with the challenges of anti-Semitism and discrimination. There were 14 criminal complaints in 2024 and 27 have already been reported by 2025. This highlights the rising tensions that exist in society.
Social challenges and anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism in Germany remains a complex problem. A 2022 survey shows that 30% of respondents said they had experienced anti-Semitic jokes in everyday life. Derogatory comments about Jews are often found on social media and even in personal circles. These prejudices have historical roots and are widespread not only in Germany but also worldwide.
However, around 70 years after the Holocaust, awareness of anti-Semitism is often still insufficient. A wide range of people, including political actors and social scientists, emphasize the need to actively combat this hatred and promote an inclusive society.
In summary, the “Open Day” in Frankfurt is an attempt to strengthen and celebrate cultural identity despite the heavy burden of anti-Semitism and discrimination. The challenges facing the Jewish Museum are not only intimate for the Jewish community in Frankfurt, but affect the entire society in Germany.