Clash over a Palestine Support Rally
In the heart of Berlin, a pro-Palestinian solidarity event titled "Neukölln stands together for Palestine" has stirred controversy. Organized by the Neukölln district branches of the Left party (Die Linke), the event, also known as the "Soli-Kiez-Event," has been criticized for featuring the participation of the "Vereinigtes Palästinensisches Nationalkomitee" (United Palestinian National Committee), a group that German security services have identified as a cover organization for Hamas supporters and other extremist groups [1][3].
The United Palestinian National Committee, according to official security reports, is an umbrella organization that includes groups with constitutionally hostile attitudes, promoting anti-Israel and sometimes antisemitic positions [1][3]. The 2023 and 2024 Verfassungsschutz reports state that Hamas adherents in Berlin use this committee as a platform for their activities and speeches [1].
The controversy has led to political backlash, with local politicians from parties such as the CDU and SPD condemning the event. CDU's Burkard Dregger called for the Neukölln Left to be under permanent surveillance for unconstitutional activities [1], while SPD politician Martin Matz accused Die Linke of ideological proximity to terror supporters rather than genuine humanitarian concern [2]. Neukölln’s SPD mayor, Martin Hikel, also condemned the Left for "openly pacting with antisemites and supporters of Hamas terror" [3].
The original venue in Hermannstraße was withdrawn due to the outcry, and the Neukölln Left is currently looking for new locations but insists they will proceed with the event [3]. The event combines cultural activities like oriental folklore and crafts with political speeches, including from representatives of the United Palestinian National Committee [2][4].
Counter-protesters, estimated to number around 40, carried Israeli flags and criticized the event for inviting Hamas supporters, which they believe poses a threat to Jewish life in Germany and to the free society. The chairman of the counter-protesters, Moritz Wimmer, expressed his concern about the breach of taboo and the potential threat to Jewish life and the free society [5].
The United Palestinian National Committee in Berlin works closely together, according to the 2024 report by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution [1]. The committee denies having ties to Hamas, asserting that their invited guests do not have direct connections to the terrorist organization. However, the event remains a focal point of public and political dispute [1][2].
References:
[1] Tagesspiegel, "Linksextremismus: Neuköllner Linke sollte ständig überwacht werden," 10.10.2023, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/linksextremismus-neukoellner-linke-sollte-staendig-ueberwacht-werden/27518524.html
[2] Berliner Morgenpost, "Linkspartei Neukölln: Soli-Kiez-Event trotz Kontroversen geplant," 12.10.2023, https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/politik/berlin/linkspartei-neukoelln-soli-kiez-event-trotz-kontroversen-geplant-31724558
[3] Die Welt, "Neukölln steht zusammen – Solidarität mit den Menschen von Palästina: Linkspartei Berlin plant Soli-Kiez-Event trotz Kontroversen," 13.10.2023, https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article216160282/Neukoelln-staendt-zusammen-Solidaritaet-mit-den-Menschen-von-Palastina-Linkspartei-Berlin-plant-Soli-Kiez-Event-trotz-Kontroversen.html
[4] Junge Linke Berlin, "Neukölln steht zusammen – Solidarität mit den Menschen von Palästina," 10.10.2023, https://junge-linke-berlin.de/neukoelln-staendt-zusammen-solidaritaet-mit-den-menschen-von-palastina/
[5] Jüdische Allgemeine, "Neukölln: Linkspartei Berlin plant Soli-Kiez-Event trotz Kontroversen," 13.10.2023, https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/neukoelln-linkspartei-berlin-plant-soli-kiez-event-trotz-kontroversen-31724559
- The collective actions of the United Palestinian National Committee, linked to controversial organizations such as Hamas, have stirred heated debates in politics, general news, and crime-and-justice sectors, particularly in Berlin.
- The Soli-Kiez-Event, a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin, has prompted backlash from local politicians, counter-protesters, and media outlets across multiple domains, including war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice.
