Investigator concludes that Geneva synagogue fire was arson

04 June 2007

The fire that swept through parts of Geneva’s main synagogue ten days ago was arson, the investigating magistrate Michel Graber has said. However, in his statement, Graber also underlined that all leads were being followed and that an attack by extremist circles was not the only theory being looked at.

Investigations have ruled out technical or accidental causes for the fire in the early hours of 24 May. Initially, police indicated that the fire had likely been set deliberately, but officials later backtracked. Forensic experts were hoping to take DNA samples from a cigarette butt found in the debris, but water and fire have jeopardized the quality of the genetic sample. The fire, which appeared to have taken hold around the entrance, severely damaged part of the Sephardi Hekhal Haness synagogue in the residential area of Malagnou.

Alfred Donath, the head of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities, told Swiss radio after Graber’s announcement that the anti-Semitic nature of the attack was "undeniable", underlining that whoever carried it out "did not target the skating rink or the station."

Swiss federal president and foreign minister Micheline Calmy-Rey issued a statement expressing sadness and concern. She conveyed solidarity with the Jewish community and said anti-Semitic acts were unacceptable and an insult to Switzerland's tradition of dialogue.