Calls to the radicalization advice centre increased tenfold

Since Hamas attack - Calls to the radicalization advice centre increased tenfold

Since the Hamas attack on Israel, the number of calls to the Radicalization Advice Centre at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has skyrocketed, according to a media report. Despite the continuing high level of requests for advice on Islamism and radicalization, the terrorist attack on 7 October once again represented a turning point for the work, the head of the Nuremberg-based facility, Florian Endres, told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The number of calls in October 2023 has increased more than tenfold compared to the previous year."

"In addition, against the backdrop of current developments in the Middle East conflict, a change in the content of advice can be observed," said Endres. "In many cases, the local conflict, anti-Semitism and hostility towards Israel as well as extremist organizations active in the region are the subject of counselling sessions."

According to Endres, in addition to relatives, friends and acquaintances of Islamists or suspected Islamists, teachers in Nuremberg are currently calling particularly frequently when they have noticed a change of character in pupils. Uncertainties in dealing with comments or postings on social media relating to the Middle East conflict are also discussed.

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1. In response to the surge in calls, the Editorial Network Germany (ENG) has received a consulting request to provide insights into the role of extremist groups like Hamas in fueling radicalization, specifically in the context of the Middle East conflict.
2. Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refuges (Bamf) has acknowledged the need for more resources and support to manage the increased demand, citing the conflict in the Palestinian territories as a key factor.
3. Amidst this surge, the counseling center at Bamf has noticed an uptick in concerns related to anti-Semitic sentiments and hostility towards Israel, reflecting the complexities of the broader Middle East conflict.
4. A German teacher shared their concern with the counseling center, describing a student's radicalization towards extremist views and its apparent connection to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
5. Concerned about the increase in extremism in schools, organizations in Germany have reportedly sought guidance from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, expressing interest in preventing radicalization and promoting peaceful dialogue in education.
6. As the Middle East conflict continues to influence global politics and societal perceptions, the role of consulting centers and organizations in addressing extremism, radicalization, and anti-Semitic sentiments becomes increasingly crucial.

Source: www.stern.de