Anti-Semitism and violence: Police chief advises Jews to be careful in parts of Berlin

Berlin police chief Barbara Slowik has advised Jews and homosexuals to be particularly careful in certain areas of the capital. In principle, there are no so-called no-go areas, i.e. areas that are too dangerous to enter. “However, there are areas – and we have to be honest at this point – where I would advise people who wear a yarmulke or are openly gay or lesbian to be more attentive,” Slowik told the “Berliner Zeitung”.

Slowik speaks of “open hostility to Jews”

Slowik went on to say that she didn’t want to “defame” any particular group of people as perpetrators. At the same time, she explained: “Unfortunately, there are certain neighborhoods in which the majority of people of Arab origin live who also have sympathies for terrorist groups. Open hostility to Jews is expressed there against people of Jewish faith and origin.”

Slowik emphasized: “Fortunately, violent crimes against Jewish people are low, although each act is without question one too many. I can still understand that fear and concern remain.” People from the Jewish-Israeli community in Berlin would notice the total number of anti-Semitic crimes. Since October 7, 2023, the police have initiated over 6,200 investigations into anti-Semitism and incitement. This understandably increases the fear within the community of becoming the target of an attack.

A large part of the investigation deals with hate postings on the Internet, as well as damage to property and propaganda crimes. The 1,300 investigations into acts of violence mostly involve attacks or resistance to police officers during demonstrations.