Anniversary of the Hamas massacre: demonstrations on October 7th – large-scale police operation

Ahead of the anniversary of the Hamas massacre in Israel, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) warns of an increase in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests. “The anniversary could be a trigger event for large parts of the protest spectrum,” said BfV President Thomas Haldenwang. “The current situation holds great potential for emotionalization, polarization and radicalization, even for previously moderate actors.” According to the authorities, the focus of the protests is likely to be Berlin.

The police union (GdP) is also alarmed. “We are looking forward to the coming days with great concern. We have already seen in the past few days that the pro-Palestinian scene’s propensity for violence on our streets is once again increasingly erupting into hatred, anti-Semitism and excessive violence,” said Berlin GdP spokesman Benjamin Jendro. In his opinion, the latest developments between Israel, Lebanon and Iran will have an impact on the meeting in Berlin.

The federal chairman of the GdP, Jochen Kopelke, told the editorial network Germany (RND) that all security authorities in Germany had an “enormous need for personnel” that day. We take robust and consistent action against violent criminals and rioters.

Increase in anti-Semitic crimes

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) called for solidarity with Jews. Her ministry said there had been a significant increase in anti-Semitic crimes in Germany since October 7th. Between the beginning of 2024 and the beginning of October, over 3,200 acts were recorded – not all of which have to be related to the Middle East conflict. In the same period last year there were 1,600 anti-Semitic acts.

Since October 7, 2023, the police have recorded almost 8,500 politically motivated crimes (as of October 4, 2024). Of these, 3,464 crimes were classified as anti-Semitic. Overall, it is primarily about anti-Semitic-motivated damage to property and incitement to hatred. The vast majority of crimes were in the area of ​​foreign ideology (2,123). This was followed by religious ideology (774), as well as right-wing motivated (322) and left-wing motivated actions (87). The investigators were unable to identify some of the crimes in this area.

Numerous demonstrations on the anniversary

A year ago, on October 7, 2023, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped around 250 others as hostages in the Gaza Strip. This was the trigger for the Gaza war. On the anniversary, which is on Monday, numerous groups and demonstrators, especially in Berlin, are taking to the streets in support of Israel and the Palestinians. Numerous demonstrations are taking place in the capital on the weekend before the anniversary.

The Berlin police are preparing for the many rallies – it cannot be ruled out that there will also be tumults and forbidden expressions of solidarity with the Hamas terrorists. The GdP expects a “city-wide, dynamic situation”.

In Berlin alone, around 2,000 police officers are deployed for demonstrations

On the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel alone, around 2,000 police officers in the capital will secure the planned demonstrations. “Support comes from other federal states and the federal government,” a spokesman said.

Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) said: “The barbaric terrorist attack on Israel has deeply shocked not only the Israeli people, but also us in Berlin. Today, hostages are still being held in the tunnels by Hamas terrorists. That’s why we also demand: Bring them home now!”

Wegner described the “global rise in anti-Semitism” as shameful. “We will not tolerate that in this city. Berlin will never again stand by when Jews are threatened or treated with hostility.”

The CDU politician has recently condemned riots and aggressiveness as well as support for terrorist regimes several times. “Nobody has the right to commit crimes in Berlin or to throw stones and other things at police forces,” said Wegner.

DPG President distances himself from parts of pro-Palestinian rallies

The President of the German-Palestinian Society (DPG), Nazih Musharbash, distanced himself from parts of the pro-Palestinian rallies. If laws are broken during demonstrations, then it would be punishable and would not be supported by the DPG, said Musharbash on RBB Inforadio. “That’s why we at the German-Palestinian Society don’t call for rallies, for example, because we don’t want these people there.”

This applies to both right-wing radical Germans and Islamists. “They disturb us and they harm our cause. They are not representatives of the vast majority, the peaceful vast majority of Palestinians in Germany.”

Announcement from the Federal Ministry of the Interior