Gathering for "Peace in Israel" scheduled on 16 October, at Münsterplatz
In the midst of a severe humanitarian and security crisis, the city of Neuss, Germany, is set to demonstrate its solidarity with Israel and its partner city, Herzliya. The demonstration, scheduled for Monday on Münsterplatz, aims to show support for the Israeli people and reject hatred, discrimination, and antisemitism within Neuss society.
The current situation involves Hamas and allied Palestinian groups holding approximately 50 Israeli hostages, including women, children, elderly civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals, under reportedly horrific conditions. Many are thought to be deceased, and some have been forced into degrading treatment such as digging their own graves.
Hamas's abductions are part of a deliberate and strategic effort, prioritizing elderly people, women, and children to maximize emotional and bargaining leverage in the conflict. This tactic functions as a form of cognitive warfare, aimed at influencing Israeli decision-making, fracturing society, and manipulating international perceptions.
The international response, including from the United Nations Security Council and humanitarian actors, strongly condemns hostage-taking as a war crime and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The UN has emphasized the obligation for humane treatment and access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to those held captive. Additionally, the UN and several member states underscore that the broader humanitarian situation in Gaza—where thousands of Palestinians including many women and children are imprisoned or suffering—is dire and requires urgent attention.
In Neuss, Hermann Gröhe, a federal MP, stands with democrats on the side of Israel, while Dorothea Gravemann, a board member of the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation Neuss, expresses solidarity with the Israeli state, its citizens, and victims of Hamas terrorism. Gravemann calls for a ban on antisemitic demonstrations, organizations, and events, and consistent control of funding for projects and organizations in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian autonomy administration to prevent co-financing of terrorism.
Mayor Breuer has written a letter to Mayor Moshe Fadlon of Herzliya, expressing shock at the violence and condemning the ongoing attacks. Jörg Geerlings, a prominent figure in Neuss politics, emphasizes the unity of all democrats in supporting Israel and opposing any antisemitism.
Meanwhile, Hermann Römgens, a local politician, reports that people are seeking shelter in bunkers due to rocket attacks. Römgens is speaking with people in Tel Aviv and Herzliya daily, and Breuer and Römgens are calling on all citizens of Neuss to participate in the demonstration. The purpose of the demonstration is to show support for Israel and Herzliya and to send a clear message that hatred, discrimination, and antisemitism have no place in Neuss society.
- The current political climate, as evidenced by the conflict between Hamas and Israel, has led to a widespread discussion about international politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news, with the city of Neuss demonstrating solidarity with Israel by rejecting antisemitism and supporting the Israeli people.
- The company of democrats in Neuss, including Mayor Breuer, Hermann Gröhe, Dorothea Gravemann, Jörg Geerlings, and Hermann Römgens, are taking a stand against antisemitism, terrorism, and human rights violations towards Israeli civilians, making clear statements against this crisis and advocating for a ban on antisemitic events and organizations, as well as stringent control over funding to prevent co-financing of terrorism.
