Volker Beck: Climate activists should stop protests
The German-Israeli Association (DIG) has appealed to climate protection activists from the Last Generation group to refrain from protest actions. "The Berlin police are at their limit," said DIG President Volker Beck on Monday. "Actions that tie up a lot of police resources are now irresponsible and therefore also indirectly endanger the safety of Jews. Stop this!" Due to the staffing situation, the police are already no longer able to prevent pro-Hamas demonstrations or contain violence while at the same time adequately protecting synagogues and all other Jewish institutions. "I am concerned that in some cases the level of protection could be reduced even further."
"Dear "Last Generation", I appeal to you: Have some sense! Show responsibility," Beck continued. "If you want to get others to adopt a responsible climate policy, you have to show that responsibility is not just an empty phrase."
It only became known on Monday morning that a window of the Jewish Hospital in Berlin-Wedding had been damaged. According to the Berlin police, there were no injuries. Investigations into damage to property against unknown persons are still ongoing.
Last week, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and Senator of the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD) had already sharply criticized the Last Generation group after several members sprayed the World Time Clock on Alexanderplatz with orange paint on Tuesday morning. Wegner and Spranger said that police officers are constantly on duty, also to protect Jewish and Israeli life in Berlin. "And during this stress, criminals of the so-called last generation commit damage to property, coercion - criminal acts."
- The recent damage to the window of the Jewish Hospital in Berlin-Wedding has added to the concerns about the escalating conflicts between climate activists and law enforcement, as some actions can indirectly endanger the safety of Jewish communities.
- The association of German-Israelis (DIG) has decried the climate demonstrations that divert resources from preventing pro-Hamas demonstrations and protecting Jewish institutions, labeling such actions as irresponsible and potentially dangerous.
- Amidst the ongoing investigations into property damage against unknown persons, anti-Semitic incidents such as pro-Hamas demonstrations and vandalism against Jewish institutions have highlight the urgency for climate activists to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful activism and respect for other communities.
Source: www.dpa.com
