German authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack on the private property of Andreas Büttner, Brandenburg’s Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism, after a shed on his land was deliberately set ablaze in the early hours of Sunday, January 4th.
The incident occurred in Templin while Büttner’s family was at home. No one was injured but police confirmed the fire was intentional, with the cause being treated as arson.
Investigators also found an “unconstitutional symbol” sprayed next to the burned-out shed. Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, identified it as the red inverted triangle, a symbol commonly used in Hamas propaganda to mark targets, raising concerns that the attack was politically or ideologically motivated. No arrests have yet been made.
Büttner described the incident as a serious escalation but said it would not deter him from his work. In a statement, he stressed that violence and intimidation would only strengthen his resolve to confront antisemitism.
Brandenburg’s minister President Dietmar Woidke and Interior Minister Rene Wilke strongly condemned the attack, calling violence against people or property “absolutely unacceptable” and reaffirming the state’s commitment to the rule of law.
The investigation is ongoing.
