Today, the Jewish community in Düsseldorf is standing up against rising anti-Semitism with a demonstration march through the city center. Over a thousand participants have registered for this rally, dubbed "Against all anti-Semitism – solidarity with Israel." The march aims to draw attention to the plight of hostages still held by Hamas. The final stop will be Johannes-Rau-Platz, right in front of the State Chancellery.
Recently, anti-Semitic attacks in Germany have surged, a trend that started following the Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Figures from Human Rights Watch show a staggering 96% increase in antisemitic crimes in 2023 compared to 2022, with a total of 5,164 registered incidents.
The Jewish community has been proactive in countering this surge. For instance, a motion to combat antisemitism was passed by a wide coalition of German political parties in the Bundestag in November 2024. However, this motion has faced criticism for potentially stigmatizing immigrant communities and threatening speech and protest rights.
Locally, Jewish leaders and groups are working tirelessly to combat hate crimes and ensure community safety. For example, in Fredericton, Canada, these leaders managed to keep a parade apolitical and persuaded sponsors to withdraw support following a series of hate crimes against the Jewish community.
Organizations like the Jüdisches Forum für Demokratie und gegen Antisemitismus e.V. (JFDA) are also playing a vital role. They monitor, research, and work to combat anti-Semitism, aiming to create a more inclusive and secure environment for Jewish communities.
In the face of these challenges, the Jewish community in Düsseldorf chooses to march, proving their unwavering dedication to peace and unity.
