People remember the victims of October 7 in Israel
Just over a week after the highly controversial rally in Essen, where participants called for an Islamic caliphate among other things, thousands of people have commemorated the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Around 4,500 people gathered in front of the Old Synagogue in Essen on Sunday for the memorial event, a police spokeswoman said in the evening. "It was a very peaceful event." Many people held candles in their hands. According to the police, the security measures were high.
The appeal was supported by the Essen Alliance for Open-mindedness, in which the city administration, religious representatives, trade unions and companies have joined forces.
"The glorification of violence - no matter who it comes from - must not be allowed in Essen," the appeal for the human chain stated. "The alliance condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas. At the same time, it demands humanitarian aid for the people in the Gaza Strip."
A week ago on Friday, 3,000 people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Essen. Criminal proceedings are underway against the rally leader for incitement to hatred.
According to the police, in addition to pro-Palestinian flags, symbols and flags were also displayed that were very similar to the banned symbols of the Islamic State and the Taliban, but differed slightly. Women and men marched separately. According to the police, the demonstration was peaceful. Afterwards, domestic politicians at federal and state level called for the state to be able to take stronger action against such demonstrations.
Despite the peaceful demonstrations, conflicts arose over the display of controversial symbols during the pro-Palestinian rally. Further demonstrations, aiming to demonstrate against such glorifications of violence, were organized in response to these conflicts.
Source: www.dpa.com
