Fear and Invisibility in Jewish Berlin Life
Berlin - Memories can be fleeting, as if we've already forgotten the chilling hatred towards Israel and Jews that erupted in Neukölln after October 7. Yet, fear lingers for Jewish Berliners, as they struggle to suppress and forget the traumatic events.
The dark side of the city's history resurfaced during those challenging times, and Jews in Berlin had to endure the irresponsible celebrations of Palestinians' attacks on Israel out of hatred for the Jewish state. The city became a place where Arab men from Gaza Strip hurled indiscriminate attacks on innocent people, aiming to inflict torture and murder.
Broken Trust and Hidden Fears
Jews across the city are altering their daily lives due to the increased hatred. One of my neighbors confided in me that he refrained from sharing with his taxicab driver his recent participation in a Jewish event. The driver, who knew his address, instilled an intimidating impression that left the neighbor fearful of revealing his religious affiliations.
The Jewish Community of Berlin has had to take extraordinary measures to keep their members safe in light of these events:
The community newspaper is now sent out in neutral envelopes, similar to the "Jüdische Allgemeine," which is issued without a return address. When envelopes are placed in the letterboxes, neighbors should not discern that Jews live in the house.
In some instances, it has become necessary for the Jewish community to invite members with specific birthdays to celebrations under pseudonyms and abbreviated surnames on the internet invitation. The Jewish community's intention is to protect its members by keeping their identities private.
Restricting Public Displays of Faith
Quite inevitably, the "mezuzah" is disappearing from doors in households across Berlin for observant Jewish families and individuals who carry a traditional Jewish name. Parcel carriers have even identified and targeted the few who remained visible, hurling insults and throwing parcels in their direction.
Fearstriking Numbers and Security Concerns
A terrifying reality unfolds in light of the increasing tensions, with 159 Jewish institutions requiring round-the-clock police protection. The invaluable police bodyguards, numbering 650, are now almost exclusively assigned to protect synagogues, Jewish schools, and kindergartens.
Indeed, these alarming statistics and the ongoing assaults suggest that fear is overtaking Jewish life in Berlin. The constant presence of bodyguards is a stark reminder of the precariousness of being Jewish in Berlin's streets and the ongoing threat of violence.
Stirring the Flames
Sadly, the spreading of hate speech and inciting acts continues with no end in sight. Local residents and internet users alike mobilize through social media outlets, creating an environment ripe for spreading vile lies and fanning the flames of hate.
A tragic manifestation of this unrest came during the Holocaust Memorial events, where several Stolpersteine were stolen from cities like Oschersleben, Zeitz, and Halle. This unsettling act signifies a shocking lack of respect for Jewish history and heritage in the city.
Addressing the Challenge
Berlin's institutions and communities are rising to the challenge undeterred, taking proactive measures to combat violence and antisemitism. Government entities, universities, and the Jewish community all seek to foster a more inclusive and tolerant atmosphere while preserving the rich cultural diversity unique to the city.
Outcome
With a reconfigured approach that enables resilience, unity, and solidarity, we hope to pave the way for a Berlin that stands steadfast against hatred and violence.
