Victim of Antisemitic Attack in Berlin Shares His Experience

Lahav Shapira, a Jewish student who was assaulted in an antisemitic attack in Berlin, has spoken out as the trial against his alleged attacker begins. The incident occurred on February 2, 2024, in Berlin-Mitte, where Shapira was severely injured. His injuries included a broken eye socket and facial fractures that required extensive medical intervention.

Shapira reported that while much of his physical injuries have healed, he still experiences swelling on the left side of his face and is dealing with the psychological impacts of the attack. He highlighted the significant medical procedures he underwent, which included the placement of metal plates in his face. He recounted that the trauma could have been much worse, as he suffered a minor brain hemorrhage during the assault.

During his recovery, Shapira also faced challenges at his university, the Free University of Berlin, where he felt unsafe due to the hostile environment surrounding Jewish students. He noted that during protests against Israeli military actions in Gaza, Jewish students were often targeted and subjected to harassment.

In response to the attack, Shapira has been under personal protection and has relied on security services to ensure his safety while attending classes. Despite this, he expressed frustration with the university's administration, which he feels has not adequately addressed the safety concerns of Jewish students. He stated that promises made by university officials to protect Jewish students and address antisemitism have not been fulfilled.

Shapira has also taken legal action against the university for its alleged failure to provide a safe learning environment, arguing that the antisemitic rhetoric allowed to persist on campus contributed to the violence he experienced.

Furthermore, Shapira described his experience with local law enforcement and the judicial process following the attack as disappointing. He indicated that there was a lack of urgency and thoroughness in the police investigation, which has compounded his sense of injustice. His legal representatives have continually pressed for a more serious examination of the evidence and for the case to be handled with the gravity it deserves.

As the trial progresses, Shapira hopes for a clear acknowledgment of the antisemitic motives behind his attack and accountability for the perpetrator. He believes that such recognition is essential not only for his healing but also for the broader context of rising antisemitism in society.