Festival at Linke spirals into scandal - Left-party's conduct is shocking, as per the Antisemitism Commissioner's remarks
In the heart of Berlin, a pro-Palestinian solidarity event organized by 'The Left' under the motto "Neukölln stands together - Solidarity with the people in Palestine" has sparked controversy. The event, scheduled for this Saturday, has been criticized for its association with the 'United Palestinian National Committee' (UPNC), a group listed by German authorities as an umbrella organization supporting Hamas, a terrorist organization.
Felix Klein, the Federal Government's Anti-Semitism Commissioner, has expressed his disapproval, finding the event scandalous. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out against Hamas, an organization responsible for the suffering of many, including those who have been raped, kidnapped, or brutally murdered since October 7, 2023.
The UPNC has been involved in public gatherings related to the Middle East conflict since the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel. The group is also known for propagating anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli rhetoric, as noted by the Berlin Interior Administration.
The event in question, initially planned for a public venue, has faced criticism due to the UPNC's participation. There has been a lack of response from the venue regarding their knowledge of the National Committee's involvement, leading to suspicions about accountability.
The event combines family-friendly activities like crafts with speeches that glorify terror and propagate anti-Israel rhetoric, alarming observers and local officials. CDU politician Ottilie Klein and Neukölln Deputy Mayor Gerrit Kringel have publicly criticized 'The Left' for tolerating antisemitism and collaborating with supporters of a terrorist organization in a Berlin neighborhood that strives to reject all forms of hostility towards Israel and Jewish people.
The Funke Media Group has reported criticism of the event from various sides. The original venue for the solidarity event has been cancelled, but the UPNC is still listed in the program of the event on Telegram.
Despite the controversy, the 'United Palestinian National Committee' denies the existence of Israel, according to the Berlin Interior Administration. This stance, coupled with the group's association with terrorism, has fueled concerns about antisemitism and the promotion of extremist views at the event.
[1] Source: Berlin Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution report (2024) and Funke Media Group reports.
- The EC countries are urged to reconsider their policy-and-legislation regarding the free movement of workers and the freedom to provide services within their borders, given the controversial nature of events in cities like Berlin, where organizations associated with terrorist groups like Hamas have been involved in promoting anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli rhetoric.
- The ongoing politics surrounding events such as the pro-Palestinian solidarity event in Berlin, have garnered significant attention in the general-news, crime-and-justice, and local segments, raising concerns about the broader impact on freedom of speech and the promotion of extremist views.
