Vandals attack Berlin kindergarten

Vandals sprayed neo-Nazi graffiti on a Jewish kindergarten in Berlin and attempted to set fire to the building. The incident marks a new level in attacks on Jews in Germany, according to Stephan Kramer, general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. Police reportedly are instituting round-the-clock protection at the site. Police discovered swastikas, SS runes and anti-Semitic slogans at the Chabad Or Avner kindergarten on Sunday, police spokesman Michael Merkle told JTA. The perpetrators also broke a window in the rear of the building and lobbed a smoke bomb inside that failed to detonate. The school was empty at the time of the attack. Chabad Rabbi Yehudah Teichtal told JTA that the attack strengthened his resolve. “We have to be stronger and put a stronger stress on Jewish education,” he said after visiting the school. Kramer told JTA that he and Teichtal had been requesting 24-hour protection for years. Kramer said graffiti, including the words “Jews go to hell,” was found on the facade of the school and on toys left outdoors.