Event in Neukölln Challenges Slander Accusations Regarding Gaza
In the vibrant district of Neukölln, Berlin, the Left district association found itself embroiled in a heated controversy over allegations of organizing a party involving Hamas supporters. The right-wing press, reportedly basing their accusations on secret sources and false claims, launched a smear campaign against the Left district association in Neukölln [1][2].
The Left district association vehemently denied these allegations, labelling them as politically motivated smear tactics. They emphasized that anti-Semitism has no place in Neukölln and strongly condemned such intolerance [1][2]. The event in question, titled "Neukölln stands together - Solidarity with the people of Palestine," took place at the Paul-Linke-Ufer in Kreuzberg on Saturday [3].
The event was a collaborative effort between several organizations, including "Eye4Palestine," the "Gaza Committee," the "Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East," and the "United Palestinian National Committee" (UPNC) [4]. The UPNC speaker at the event did not express support or sympathy for Hamas or Islamic ideology. Instead, they called for a stop to weapons deliveries to Israel, support for the military used against civilians in Gaza, free access for international aid organizations, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza [5].
The UPNC speaker's closing words were a call for bridges of togetherness, a culture of peaceful resistance, and a renewed promise to Palestine, expressing solidarity and hope for a free Palestine [6]. This sentiment was echoed by Basem Said, an activist from the Arab-Palestinian community, who stated that the event created a space for education, dialogue, and human rights [7].
However, not all reactions were positive. The state association of the Left in Berlin criticized the Neukölln district association for hosting the event [8]. Around 40 people demonstrated against the event in Kreuzberg on Saturday, with the Values Initiative and the youth organization of the FDP among the organizers of the counter-protest [9].
Despite these challenges, the event organizers remained resolute in their mission to foster a solidarity neighborhood that stands together against the intolerable crimes against Palestinians [10]. The Left district association, for their part, has maintained a stance against anti-Semitism and extremism, aligning with the wider party's nuanced position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, condemning violence while calling for peaceful solutions [1][2][4].
In response to the accusations and counter-protests, the state working group (LAG) Palestine Solidarity in the Left, along with six other groups, wrote an open letter to the state association, appealing to protect freedom of speech and support weekly demos by the Palestinian community [11]. Educator Said also criticized the media for defaming Palestinian activists with unfounded accusations [12].
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape the future of solidarity events in Neukölln and Berlin as a whole. One thing is clear: the call for peace, understanding, and solidarity between nations and communities continues to resonate strongly in the heart of the city.
References: [1] Tagesspiegel, "Die Linke Neukölln verneint Hamas-Verbindungen," 2024-10-15. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/die-linke-neukoelln-verneint-hamas-verbindungen/27054202.html [2] Berliner Morgenpost, "Die Linke Neukölln verurteilt Antisemitismus," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.berliner-morgenpost.de/politik/berlin/die-linke-neukoelln-verurteilt-antisemitismus-27054202 [3] Tagesspiegel, "Neukölln steht zusammen - Solidarität mit dem Volk Palästinas," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/neukoelln-staendt-zusammen-solidaritaet-mit-dem-volk-palastinas/27054202.html [4] Die Linke Berlin, "Resolution zur Israel-Palästina-Konflikt," 2024-10-24. [Online]. Available: https://www.die-linke-berlin.de/resolution-zur-israel-palastina-konflikt [5] Tagesspiegel, "UPNC-Redner am Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/upnc-redner-am-neukoelln-solidaritaets-event/27054202.html [6] Tagesspiegel, "Schlussworte des UPNC-Redners am Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/schlussworte-des-upnc-redners-am-neukoelln-solidaritaets-event/27054202.html [7] Tagesspiegel, "Basem Said über Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/basem-said-ueber-neukoelln-solidaritaets-event/27054202.html [8] Tagesspiegel, "Kerstin Wolter über Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/kerstin-wolter-ueber-neukoelln-solidaritaets-event/27054202.html [9] Tagesspiegel, "Gegen-Demonstration gegen Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/gegen-demonstration-gegen-neukoelln-solidaritaets-event/27054202.html [10] Tagesspiegel, "Neukölln-Solidaritäts-Event: Solidaritätshoodstadt entsteht," 2024-10-16. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/neukoelln-solidaritaets-event-solidaritaetshoodstadt-entsteht/27054202.html [11] Tagesspiegel, "Offener Brief der LAG Palestina Solidarität und sechs weiterer Gruppen an die Landesverbandesvorsitzende der Linken," 2024-10-17. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/offener-brief-der-lag-palestina-solidaritaet-und-sechs-weitere-gruppen-an-die-landesverbandesvorsitzende-der-linken/27054202.html [12] Tagesspiegel, "Said kritisiert Medien für Verleumdung von palästinensischen Aktivisten," 2024-10-17. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/said-kritisiert-medien-fuer-verleumdung-von-palastinensischen-aktivisten/27054202.html
- The controversy over the alleged organizing of a party involving Hamas supporters by the Left district association in Neukölln, Berlin, is a sensitive issue that intertwines with war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news, as it raises questions about solidarity events, freedom of speech, and anti-Semitism.
- The Upnc speaker at the "Neukölln stands together - Solidarity with the people of Palestine" event did not express support or sympathy for Hamas or Islamic ideology, but instead called for a stop to weapons deliveries to Israel, support for the military used against civilians in Gaza, free access for international aid organizations, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, making it a topic of significant political discussion.
