A synagogue in a German city was evacuated after a suspicious letter was found

German police announced Thursday evening the launch of a major security mission and the evacuation of the synagogue in the city of Gießen in the state of Hesse following the discovery of a suspicious letter containing “anti-Semitic statements and threats.”

The police explained that when the letter was opened this afternoon, a powder that has not yet been identified came out. The police lifted the extensive security cordon around the synagogue in the late afternoon; However, the synagogue remained closed until further notice, according to a police spokeswoman.

There were 26 people inside the synagogue at the time of the accident, and they were taken out as a precaution. Police believe that four people were in the immediate vicinity of the letter when it was opened. They were examined by the ambulance service, but they were all allowed to leave the accident site, as there was no need for them to receive medical treatment.

The criminal investigation office of the police in the state of Hessen investigated the incident. The branch’s statement said: “A forensic and technical examination of the powder is currently being conducted to determine the nature of its substance and whether it poses a danger.” The statement added that investigations are also underway to uncover the precise circumstances of the incident.

Hesse State Interior Minister, Roman Buzek, said that the police are dealing with the case at a rapid pace, noting that the incident represents another horrific example of attacks targeting “Jewish life.” Buzek, who belongs to the Christian Democratic Party of Chancellor Friedrich Merez, added: “This is shameful,” stressing: “We will continue to do everything in our power to effectively protect our Jewish life.”

The police confirmed that there was no threat to the general public. In addition to the forces of the Central Hesse Police Presidency, members of the professional fire brigades and the rescue service participated in dealing with the incident.

Hesse State Prime Minister Boris Rehn described the threat targeting the Jewish community and its synagogue as “unbearable.” The Christian party politician said: “Anyone who directs hatred and threats to the Jews in our country will be punished with the utmost severity.” "It is good that our police moved quickly."

For his part, the mayor of the city of Gießen, Frank Thilo Becher, described the incident as a “despicable” act of threat, and said: “We strongly condemn this heinous anti-Semitic act, and declare our full solidarity with the Jewish community.” He added that what happened reflects “pure anti-Semitic hatred,” stressing that the city will confront it with all its might.