Gaza Event in Neukölln Bucks Slanderous Criticism
In the heart of Berlin, a pro-Palestine event organized by the local chapter of Die Linke has sparked controversy, with accusations that it supports a designated terrorist organization. The event, aimed at raising awareness and support for Palestinian self-determination amidst the ongoing Gaza war and Israeli military actions, has been criticized for including the United Palestinian National Committee (UPNC), an umbrella group identified by German federal authorities as a Hamas-supporting entity linked to Islamist extremism.
The UPNC's involvement has brought speeches considered antisemitic and terror-glorifying to the event, causing concerns and criticisms from local politicians, including Neukölln Deputy Mayor Gerrit Kringel, who has condemned any form of antisemitism and hostility towards Israel. Critics argue that the event legitimizes antisemitism and Hamas, while organizers and activists frame it as a necessary platform for Palestinian rights and anti-colonial struggle.
Basem Said, an activist from the Arab-Palestinian community, defended the event, stating it created a space for education, dialogue, and human rights. He criticized the Axel Springer press for defaming Palestinian activists with unfounded accusations, arguing these attacks delegitimize their engagement and the right to participate in political education.
The controversy is not isolated. Parallel activist groups supporting Palestine include left-wing Jewish activists advocating cultural and academic boycotts of Israeli institutions, aligned with international BDS principles. Their stance emphasizes peaceful protest and solidarity but rejects normalization of Israeli policies through cultural exchanges.
Meanwhile, the Spore Initiative project in Berlin offers a protected space for open dialogue about Palestine, challenging the increasing taboo and crackdown on discussing Palestine openly in Germany.
The broader context of escalating tensions in Germany over pro-Palestinian activism since the 2023 Gaza conflict has seen demonstrations banned, forcibly broken up, or restricted by authorities who also banned fundraising and Palestinian symbols. The clash reflects broader polarization in German public discourse over Palestine, Israel, and extremism since 2023.
In a separate incident, around 40 people demonstrated against a neighbourhood event in Kreuzberg, organized by the Values Initiative and the youth wing of the FDP, the Young Liberals. No incidents were reported during the counter-protest, according to police.
The state working group Palestine solidarity in the Left party Berlin, along with six other groups, wrote an open letter to the state chapter, urging them to protect freedom of speech. The letter also called on the state chapter to support weekly demonstrations by the Palestinian community and to stop "dividing the movement that stands against genocide."
This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the pro-Palestine movement in Germany, as it navigates the line between advocacy and support for extremist groups.
The ongoing dispute around the pro-Palestine movement in Germany has raised concerns about the line between advocacy and support for extremist groups, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts in Gaza and Israel. This controversy has also brought politics into general-news, with local politicians criticizing certain pro-Palestine events for legitimizing antisemitism and Hamas.
