A Haredi Jew who was on his way to synagogue in the capital of Austria on Saturday was attacked by neo-Nazi members of an antisemitic right-wing group who stole his kippah and shtreimel and then fled the scene with them.
The ultra-Orthodox man had mistakenly stumbled upon a demonstration in Vienna in support of the extreme right-wing Freedom Party (FPO) that won the general elections on September 29.
The attackers are alleged to be members of the neo-Nazi hooligan group Vienna Dance Brigade. A left-wing anti-fascist organization published a photo of the suspects, who allegedly belong to the right-wing antisemitic organization.
The organization warned on Saturday before the demonstration not to approach the area where it was taking place. "Be careful if you are walking around the center of Vienna, starting at noon a fascist rally will be held in Heldenplatz. In the past, neo-Nazis also have participated in this type of demonstration."
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Local media reported that at the demonstration the police found knives and pepper spray in the possession of several neo-Nazis. The Austrian police stated that "on the sidelines of the demonstration there was an antisemitic attack by neo-Nazis." Vienna police confirmed these reports.
In national elections on September 29, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) came in first place for the first time in its history, receiving 29% of the vote, and was tapped to form a government.