Wegner urges stern measures against anti-Semitic behavior.

Educational institutes - Wegner urges stern measures against anti-Semitic behavior.

Berlin's Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) pledged to tackle antisemitism head-on at the city's universities. At the Bebelplatz in central Berlin, Wegner vowed, "I, as Mayor of this city, will not stay silent when incidents of antisemitism occur, when antisemitic slogans are used, and when universities are defaced with hate symbols, such as downward-pointing red triangles."

Wegner had a lot to say about the ongoing discussions surrounding antisemitism in Berlin's universities. Pro-Palestinian activists protested by occupying rooms at Humboldt University against Israel's actions and in support of Palestinians in May. The university management allowed the occupation at first, focusing on dialogue with the occupiers and academics. Eventually, police intervened to clear the protesters.

"I am deeply in favor of dialogue. But how do you have a conversation with people who are barricading themselves? Those who barricade themselves do not want any dialogue, and do not want to interact with others. All they want is to spread their hate," Wegner stated firmly. "And they don't belong in our universities, which is why I won't back down."

Wegner made this commitment following numerous discussions. "I will not allow Jewish students to say to me, 'Mr. Wegner, I'm scared to attend lectures at Berlin universities.' Every student deserves to study in a safe environment. Jewish students should be able to attend our universities without fear."

Empty Chairs in Bebel Square

A series of empty chairs, adorned with photographs and names of the people abducted by Hamas in Israel on October 7, were set up in the 'Place of the Hamas Hostages' since mid-May. Another installation depicted a recreated Hamas tunnel. On Tuesday night, the action concluded with a closing concert.

Friends and family members of the hostages, along with Hamas and its supporters, had assembled next to the State Opera to pay tribute to the captives who remained in the grip of the Hamas terrorist organization. The square had witnessed a myriad of events, such as prayers, concerts, yoga sessions, and panel discussions, throughout the past three weeks. The organizers reported that over 15,000 visitors had gathered at the 'Place of the Hamas Hostages' during this time. The original setup included 132 chairs, but with nine bodies discovered, there were now only 123 chairs left.

In their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas and its supporters killed around 1200 people and abducted approximately 230 women, men, and children. One hundred fifty-five of the abducted were released following negotiations between Israel and Hamas after almost two months. The circumstances of the remaining hostages remain uncertain.

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1. Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) highlighted the need for strong actions against antisemitic behavior at Berlin's Universities, expressing particular concern for Jewish students' safety.
2. The issue of antisemitism in Berlin's universities reached a boiling point with the occupation of Humboldt University rooms by pro-Palestinian activists in May, advocating for Palestinian territories and criticizing Israel's actions.
3. After initial dialogue attempts, the university management and authorities eventually intervened to remove the protesters, who were allegedly intent on spreading hate slogans and symbols against Israel and Jewish students.
4. In response to growing conflicts, Wegner advocated for a peaceful but firm stance against extremism, citing groups like Hamas and Harakat el-Mukawame el-Islamije as examples of organizations that incite hate and violence.
5. The ongoing student protests also spilled over into public spaces, such as the Bebelplatz in central Berlin, with installations remembering the victims of Hamas' actions in Israel, including empty chairs adorned with photos and names.
6. The local community, including families of the hostages, gathered near the State Opera to pay tribute to those still captive by Hamas, resulting in over 15,000 visitors attending the event during a three-week period.
7. As tensions continue between Palestinians and Israelis, Wegner aims to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students at Berlin's universities, ensuring the city remains a place of academic freedom, tolerance, and peace.

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