Jewish Activists Sprayed with Paint at Frankfurt Hostage Vigil Amid Rising Tensions

In Frankfurt's Grüneburgpark, a group of Jewish activists including Sacha Stawski, chairman of Honestly Concerned, were attacked with red paint while hanging posters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, amid an encampment housing pro-Palestinian organizations known as the System Change Camp. The activists faced anti-Semitic chants and physical intimidation, with paint sprayed on their faces and glasses, making it difficult to identify the assailants. The camp's organizers condemned attacks on individuals but denied responsibility, stating they show solidarity with Gaza hostages and expressed confusion over repeated disruptions. Frankfurt police confirmed the incident and have increased their presence around the camp, which has seen escalating tensions, including previous removal of hostage posters and related accusations of anti-Semitism. Local officials, including Frankfurt's mayor, condemned the violence and called for maintaining freedom of expression without tolerance for anti-Semitic acts. The incident reflects a broader rise in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.