Hundreds of people demonstrate against anti-Semitism
Six weeks after the attack by Islamist Hamas, hundreds of people in Berlin demonstrated against anti-Semitism and for solidarity with Israel. On Sunday afternoon, they marched along Tauentzien-Straße towards Lehniner Platz in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Many participants carried Israeli flags or held up signs with statements such as "Israel wants Peace" and "Free Gaza from Hamas".
Police estimate 500 participants
The Berlin police estimated the number of participants at 500. The organizers had given the figure of 2000 when registering the demonstration. No incidents had been reported by late afternoon.
Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal said at the start of the demonstration: "Our message today is clear: Jewish life will have a strong, vibrant future in Germany. And we stand together with our brothers and sisters in Israel."
The managing director of Berlin Bundesliga club Hertha BSC, Thomas Herrich, said that it was more important than ever to get involved and speak out, especially in these times when Jews were being targeted with hatred and hate speech. "Solidarity with Israel means standing up for the security and well-being of the country, but also for all Jews in Israel and around the world."
Organizers criticize incitement against Israel
Lior Steiner from the organization Jüdisches Leben Berlin (JLB), which had called for the demonstration, said that in recent weeks there had been great cohesion within the Jewish community with all its sympathizers. But there is also the other side: "If you take a look at the news, you realize that there are thousands of people at pro-Palestinian demonstrations throughout Germany every day, marching through the streets."
There is incitement against Israel as if it were a matter of course. "We can't prevent these demonstrations, but what we can do is counteract this hatred." Steiner said it was about not being quiet. "We won't let anyone intimidate us or shut us up. With our demonstrations, we want to show that there is a strong, vibrant Jewish life in Berlin."
According to Steiner, the organization Jewish Life Berlin was founded by representatives of the Jewish community as a reaction to the experiences following the Hamas attack on Israel. It campaigns for tolerance, democracy, a strong Israel and against all forms of anti-Semitism.
Despite the ongoing conflicts between Palestinians and Israel, the demonstrations against anti-Semitism in Berlin continued to escalate, with reports of anti-Israel incitement becoming more frequent. These conflicts, coupled with the rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric, led to the organization Jewish Life Berlin calling for a larger demonstration to show solidarity and prevent further intimidation.
Source: www.dpa.com
