Left-party's actions are troubling, according to Antisemitism Commissioner
In Berlin-Neukölln, a planned pro-Palestinian solidarity event on Saturday has sparked controversy due to the involvement of the "United Palestinian National Committee" (UPNC), an organization that has been identified by Berlin's Verfassungsschutz as an umbrella group for Hamas supporters and listed under "Islamism/Islamist Terrorism" in its 2024 report.
The event, titled "Neukölln stands together - Solidarity with the people of Palestine," has been organised by The Left party in Neukölln. However, the UPNC's association with the event has raised concerns that it could feature anti-Israel and terror-glorifying speeches, including one by a representative of this group.
Felix Klein, the Federal Government's Anti-Semitism Commissioner, has condemned the event, finding it scandalous due to its cooperation with the UPNC. Klein has expressed concern over the suffering of people in Gaza, but has also emphasised the importance of everyone speaking out against the terrorist organization Hamas, responsible for rapes, kidnappings, and brutal murders since October 7, 2023.
Criticism of the solidarity event has already been voiced from various sides. CDU politician Ottilie Klein accused The Left party of harboring antisemitism and little hesitation in dealing with supporters of Hamas. Neukölln Deputy Mayor Gerrit Kringel also condemned any antisemitism or hostility towards Israel in the district.
The UPNC is described as an organization that collaborates with other anti-Israel extremist groups and is sympathetic to Hamas. The original venues for the event have been cancelled, according to The Left in Neukölln, but the controversy continues to escalate.
Many people in Germany feel sympathy and sometimes outrage, which is reflected in solidarity events for Palestine. However, this event has raised concerns about potential extremist, antisemitic, and terror-glorifying content, leading to political criticism and condemnation. The ongoing controversy reflects ongoing concerns within Germany about anti-Israel activities crossing into antisemitism and extremist sympathies, particularly in left-wing political contexts in Berlin.
The controversy surrounding the "Neukölln stands together - Solidarity with the people of Palestine" event in Berlin-Neukölln has expanded into a wider discussion on general-news platforms, encompassing war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice. The event, organized by The Left party in Neukölln and previously facing venue cancellations, continues to raise concerns due to the involvement of the United Palestinian National Committee (UPNC), a group listed under "Islamism/Islamist Terrorism" and associated with Hamas supporters.
