Berlin was thrown into chaos as pro-Palestinian activists defied a local protest ban and clashed violently with police on the evening of October 19. The city’s streets became a battleground, resulting in 65 police officers being injured and numerous arrests.
The protests were held in response to an explosion at a hospital in Gaza, which international media initially blamed on Israel without concrete evidence.
Despite the city’s prohibition on anti-Israel demonstrations, hundreds of activists gathered in the Berlin borough of Neukölln. The peaceful protest quickly devolved into violence and rioting, with demonstrators attacking officers with stones, bottles, and makeshift pyrotechnic missiles.
VIOLEN*CE in BERLIN: “WE WILL TURN BERLIN INTO GAZA"
Riots, burning cars, police in Berlin got injured by young muslim male protesters in 2nd unauthorized pro-Palestinian riot in Berlin
Was it a good idea for Germany to accept all the undocumented immigrants?
Now muslim… pic.twitter.com/vtuoGfHZaG
— Lenka Houskova White (@white_lenka) October 19, 2023
According to the Berlin Police, 174 people were arrested during the banned protest, and the rioting continued until the early hours of the following morning. The protest was reportedly organized by the “Youth against Racism” activist group.
The police also reported several cars, a truck, and a tree were set ablaze during the chaos. In response, the police used pepper spray on some of the violent rioters and deployed water cannons to extinguish fires.
The protesters chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Allahu Akbar,” and “Israel – child murderer.” This display of blatant antisemitism is deeply concerning and highlights the need for stronger measures to combat hate speech and ensure public safety.
Pro-Palestinian protests were not limited to Berlin, but also took place in other German cities, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Nuremberg. In Frankfurt, police had to use water cannons against the banned demonstration.
Berlin, Germany – riots provoked by Hamas pic.twitter.com/BHZ8xurrLJ
— Matteo Scapolare (@MatteoScapolare) October 17, 2023
These protests occurred just hours after a Jewish synagogue was firebombed with Molotov cocktails in the early hours of Wednesday in Berlin. This act of terror is a stark reminder of the rising antisemitism in Germany and the urgent need for authorities to take decisive action.
In light of these events, Jewish leaders in Germany warned their communities to be cautious of potential antisemitic attacks amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
They advised against speaking Hebrew or wearing religious symbols in public, highlighting the fear and insecurity that has gripped the Jewish community in Germany.
The violent protests and the attack on the synagogue are a clear indication of the escalating tensions and the urgent need for dialogue and understanding. It is crucial for the German government to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of all its citizens.
