Party organizers in Berlin-Neukölln intend to host an event, despite some participants known to be sympathetic towards Hamas.
In the heart of Berlin, the Neukölln district is preparing for a pro-Palestinian solidarity event on August 9, organised by the local left-wing party Die Linke. However, the event has sparked controversy due to the planned participation of the 'United Palestinian National Committee' (UPNC), a group that German security agencies identify as an umbrella for Hamas and other anti-Israel extremists [1].
The Left in Berlin-Neukölln has denied any intention to work with organizations or persons close to Hamas or approving of their terror. Hermann Nehls, co-spokesperson of Left Neukölln, has stated that no connections to Hamas are planned among the invited guests [2]. Yet, the Berlin domestic intelligence agency reports that followers of the Islamist-terrorist Hamas and the secular-left-nationalist terrorist organization PFLP work closely together in Berlin under the UPNC umbrella term [3].
Kerstin Wolter, the state chairwoman of the Berlin Left, has urged Left Neukölln to clarify who is appearing with the UPNC, as organizations and persons close to Hamas or approving of their terror are not partners for them [4]. The exact nature of the ties between the UPNC and Hamas, or any other organizations, remains unclear [5].
The planned venue for the event has been cancelled, but it is uncertain if this will affect the overall event's occurrence, including the participation of the UPNC [6]. The Berlin Left's position is clear: organizations and persons close to Hamas or approving of their terror have no place in their activities [7].
This event is set against a backdrop of intensified solidarity activism for Palestine, with large-scale protests across Germany and a crackdown by authorities. The largest demonstration in Berlin on June 21, 2025, saw approximately 60,000 participants, reflecting a global movement of solidarity with Palestine in response to the Gaza conflict [8][9]. Activists have expressed resolute opposition to what they describe as Germany's normalization of the "genocide in Gaza" and a shift in global consciousness supporting Palestinian self-determination [10].
Yet, these protests have been met with police crackdowns, including incidents of violence and arrests in Berlin. Moreover, cultural workers and activists advocating for Palestine have faced repression [2][5].
Smaller-scale gatherings and cultural events have aimed to connect community members and raise funds in solidarity with Palestinian children, demonstrating ongoing grassroots activism in Berlin-Neukölln and beyond [11][12].
As the pro-Palestinian solidarity event in Berlin-Neukölln approaches, the focus remains on clarifying the nature of the UPNC's participation and ensuring that the event remains free from any links to terror organizations.
References:
- Berliner Morgenpost
- Bild
- Tagesspiegel
- Die Welt
- Deutsche Welle
- RBB24
- Linke Berlin-Neukölln
- JTA
- Haaretz
- Middle East Eye
- Jewish Voice for Peace
- Al-Jazeera
Despite the Berlin Left's denial of any intent to work with organizations linked to Hamas, concerns persist due to the participation of the United Palestinian National Committee (UPNC), an umbrella group identified as a nexus for Hamas and other anti-Israel extremists [1]. In light of this, it is crucial for the community to scrutinize the UPNC's role in the upcoming pro-Palestinian solidarity event, ensuring that policies regarding war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice adhere to principles of non-violence and non-terrorism [2].
As the event approaches, dialogues on appropriate community and employment policies must take place, emphasizing inclusivity and avoiding partnerships with organizations or individuals condoning terror or extremism [3]. The Berlin Left's efforts to maintain peaceful and responsible activism in the midst of intensified solidarity activism for Palestine should set a precedent for future events [4].
