"This heinous attack in broad daylight in the middle of the German capital is a tragic illustration of the vicious nature of anti-Semitism," said Deidre Berger, Director of AJC Berlin. “We look to German authorities to move expeditiously to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.”

Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit denounced the "anti-Semitic attack in the harshest terms."

AJC also called on the German Parliament to act on a report prepared by a blue-ribbon expert commission on anti-Semitism. The report, prepared at the parliament’s request, has been tabled since its completion last December. It includes recommendations for government measures to combat all manifestations of anti-Semitism,

"German lawmakers should not delay any longer adopting a comprehensive plan to combat anti-Semitism,” said Berger.

Today’s attack comes in the wake of a heated debate on state regulation of circumcision that has been accompanied by an outpouring of anti-Semitic letters and comments in the public arena.

AJC will convene this week a group of European Jewish community leaders in Berlin for consultation about rising anti-Semitism across Europe.