After October 7, 2023, Berlin has witnessed a dangerous shift, one that poses an undeniable threat to the Jewish community residing within its bounds. This transition, marked by an alarming rise in anti-Semitic sentiment under the guise of political activism, has transformed Berlin from a city of refuge and diversity into a landscape where the safety and security of Jews are perilously at risk.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin have increasingly become platforms for spreading vitriolic and hateful rhetoric against Israel and, by unfortunate extension, the Jewish people. Slogans such as Palestine until victory and chants branding Israel as a "terrorist state" are not mere expressions of political dissent but a dangerous catalyst for anti-Semitism. These protests, while purporting to advocate for Palestinian rights, often cross the line into outright denial of Israel's right to exist and defend itself, thereby endangering not just the geopolitical stability but also the lives and well-being of Jewish individuals in Berlin.
On February 24, 2024, a pro-Palestinian demonstration unfolded along Berlin's renowned Kurfuerstendamm towards Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz. The protest saw a large turnout, with participants vocally demanding a ceasefire, advocating for Palestinian rights, and condemning actions they described as genocidal. Amidst a sea of Palestinian flags, signs bearing messages such as "Ceasefire now," "Palestinian lives matter," "Stop the genocide," and "Freedom for Palestine" were prominently displayed.
The surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, targeting synagogues, community centers, and individuals, starkly illustrates the growing menace. These acts of hatred and violence, emboldened by the rhetoric espoused at such demonstrations, underscore a grim reality: being Jewish in Berlin is becoming synonymous with living under a constant shadow of threat.
The German government's condemnation of the attacks and expressions of solidarity with Israel, while important, are insufficient in the face of the urgent need to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens.
Those who cry 'Palestine until victory' are not far from taking Jewish lives with their own hands. Such individuals forfeit any claim to the recognition of peaceful protest. This isn't about freedom of expression; these are thoughts of annihilation, a desire to extinguish all Jewish life.
Michael Kuenne
The narrative that has emerged in some circles, portraying Israel's defense actions as aggression, needs to be corrected. The distinction between legitimate criticism of a government's policies and the delegitimization of a nation's right to defend its citizens must be clearly defined and upheld.
Given its historical context and commitment to human rights, Germany has a special responsibility to lead by example. It must protect its Jewish citizens and actively work to foster a culture of understanding, tolerance, and respect. This includes unequivocally supporting Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist threats and taking concrete steps to eradicate the scourge of anti-Semitism from society.