Gathering in Berlin-Kreuzberg: A Peaceful Pro-Palestinian Demonstration
Hundreds flocked to a pro-Palestinian rally in Berlin-Kreuzberg on a chilly Thursday evening. Initial police estimates suggested around 600 participants, but the actual number was closer to 350, as reported by the Berlin Police agency. Thankfully, the event unfolded incident-free, with Palestine flags in hand and cries of "Free Palestine" echoing through the streets. The demonstration began at Oranienplatz and meandered its way to Neukölln.
Police in Berlin are on high alert for several upcoming demonstrations, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected in Germany on the following day, January 18, 2025. Concerns of escalating conflicts among organizers weighed on their minds, but the prospect of peaceful negotiations following the demonstration offered a glimmer of hope for reducing tensions.
The Demonstration’s Journey
The rally commenced at 14:00 at Oranienplatz. Participants, many adorned in kufiyas, made their way through Kreuzberg and Mitte, heading towards Potsdamer Platz. Antifa and MeRa25 flags joined the Palestinian flags, while children marched alongside, drums in tow.
Chants and Speeches
As they went, the participants let loose with cries of "Free Free Palestine" and "Viva Viva Palästina." Speeches were delivered in both German and Arabic, expressing unwavering solidarity with Palestinians while condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. Carolina Rehmann, a representative from MeRa25, vocalized the German government’s allegedly complicating role in the genocide through weapon deliveries and Israel’s defense at the International Court of Justice.
A Peaceful Protest
Despite the tense atmosphere, the police were present with patrol vehicles, preparing for potential conflicts. However, no significant clashes or arrests were reported. The diverse mix of participants, including Jewish individuals expressing solidarity with Palestinians, contributed to a peaceful demonstration. The Jewish Voice member, Thomas, stressed his support for Palestinians due to his family's history of Holocaust survival and the necessity of standing against injustice.
The pro-Palestinian rally in Berlin-Kreuzberg boasted a peaceful atmosphere, strong unity amongst participants, and a demand for long-term solutions, such as lifting the blockade, ending occupation, and upholding global accountability for human rights violations.
