Germany: Palestinian Protest in Berlin Calls for Destruction of Israel

As I stood amidst the crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters on May 15, 2024, what I witnessed was not a call for peace or justice but a raw, unfiltered display of antisemitism that left me profoundly shaken. The demonstration began at Wilmersdorfer Strasse and Kantstrasse, wound its way to Halensee S-Bahn Station, and quickly descended into a disturbing spectacle of hate. The slogans chanted by the protesters were not just expressions of political dissent; they were explicit calls for violence and destruction. "We want 48, and we get 48," echoed ominously through the streets - a stark and chilling reference to the year of Israel's founding and a clear call for its destruction. This was not a protest; it was a war cry.

Picture: Michael Kuenne

Other slogans, such as "From Berlin to Gaza, Yallah Yallah Intifada" and "Intifada Revolution," signaled an endorsement of a violent uprising. 

Despite these slogans' inflammatory and potentially inciteful nature, the police stood by passively. This lack of action is not just troubling; it is a tacit endorsement of hate speech and a failure to protect the Jewish community from verbal and psychological assault. The authorities' passivity signals that such abuse can be expressed freely, without consequence.

The fear is palpable. Jewish residents are left to wonder if the next protest will escalate from words to violence. The idea that such open hostility can be expressed without repercussion in a city known for its diversity and tolerance is shocking and disheartening. The implications for the Jewish community are dire. This is not just about feeling unsafe; it's about the erosion of the sense of belonging and security that every citizen deserves.

Today's events must serve as a wake-up call. German society, and indeed the international community, must recognize and confront this rising tide of antisemitism with urgency and determination. Law enforcement agencies must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech and incitement to violence. 

Berlin stands at a crossroads. The city's response to the rising tide of antisemitism will determine its future. 

Germany: Berlin's Troubling Silence Amid Calls for Annihilation

As a journalist covering the protest in Berlin on May 1, 2024, the dissonance between the official reports of a "peaceful protest" and the harsh reality I witnessed on the streets is jarring. This wasn't just another Labor Day demonstration; it was a platform for dangerous rhetoric that went largely unchecked by the authorities.

Advocating for terrorist acts: From "Yallah Yallah Intifada" to "Bomb Tel Aviv" 

Thousands gathered under the guise of a Revolutionary May Day protest. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as segments of the crowd began to chant not just for Palestinian rights but for the outright destruction of Israel. The chants were precise and chilling: "Intifada until victory," "Israel is a terror state," "From the River to the Sea," and others that not only challenge but threaten the existence of an entire nation. These aren't just provocative slogans; they are war cries with no place in a peaceful protest. Amid these calls, one could hear "We want 48," a stark denial of Israel's right to exist, echoing the darkest chapters of intolerance. I reported before about this slogan. Also, demonstrators expressed solidarity with militant groups like Yemen's Houthi rebels. 

This wasn't merely an outburst at a march - it was a manifesto of destruction openly declared in the heart of Germany's capital. It was a failure to learn from history, a lapse in societal vigilance that could allow destructive ideologies to fester and grow.

The police, bolstered by units from across the nation, stood passively; their actions - or lack thereof - spoke volumes. Known agitators, familiar faces to law enforcement from previous encounters, were allowed to broadcast their abuse without consequence. This wasn't due to a lack of opportunities to intervene but a choice, a decision that paints a concerning picture of selective enforcement.

A contradiction to the city's avowed values of openness and tolerance

It's critical to address why this matters. The chants and slogans weren't merely radical; they bordered on calls for the destruction of Jewish people. These issues cannot be ignored or treated lightly, especially in a country like Germany, which has a particularly charged history. The absence of "stone-throwers" does not equate to a peaceful protest. The damage from these words can have far-reaching consequences, sowing seeds of hatred and division.

It's disappointing and alarming to see law enforcement downplay the severity of these incidents. They miss the essential evidence needed to counteract this narrative by not taking decisive action or recording these moments. This isn't about quieting free speech but recognizing the line between protest and incitement to hate.

The few detentions and use of pepper spray reported by the police pale compared to what was required.

The authorities' lax approach sends a troubling signal to groups supporting terrorism: that Berlin will allow it. This is not the lesson that should be conveyed in any city, let alone one striving to champion the values of democracy and human rights.

As someone who has covered countless demonstrations, I find the glaring disparity between the calm scenes reported and the virulent chants I heard deeply unsettling. This was not the Berlin I know, a city celebrated for its commitment to peace and inclusivity. Hearing chants like 'Bomb Tel Aviv' and seeing signs of solidarity with militant groups not only challenges my understanding of lawful protest but also strikes a chord of historical alarm. These are not the words of simple dissent; they are calls to arms that should horrify anyone aware of history's darker chapters.

To watch police forces, fully capable and present, choose passivity as voices around me called for destruction was nothing short of shocking. Their inaction wasn't just a failure of duty; it felt like a silent endorsement of the hatred spewing unabated around me. Ignoring these signals of hate and dismissing them as part of a peaceful demonstration is not just naive; it's dangerous.

These words create ripples that can escalate into waves of violence, threatening not just national peace but international stability. I urge my colleagues in the media to look beyond the surface calm and recognize the problematic undercurrents.

We must report the full spectrum of events, not just the parts that fit a more comfortable narrative.

Hollywood's Hall of Shame: Failure to Stand with Israel

Hollywood seemed to drift further from the harrowing realities faced by those living under the shadow of Hamas's cruelty.

Think of the hostages who now languish in the clutches of Hamas. Their families wake up each day to an emptiness that words cannot fill, clinging to a sliver of hope in a situation that seems increasingly hopeless.

“Hollywood is a disgrace, offering applause where there should be outrage and silence where there should be solidarity.”

— Michael Kuenne

The suggestion of a ceasefire, as voiced at the Oscars, appears on the surface as a call for peace. Yet, it overlooks a crucial reality: Hamas's charter and actions have consistently aimed at the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. To advocate for a ceasefire without addressing the underlying issues is to ignore the ongoing risk and sacrifice any chance for genuine, lasting peace. It is, in essence, to allow a terrorist organization time to regroup and to redouble its efforts against innocent civilians.

This oversight not only disrespects the memory of those lost on October 7 but also dismisses the ongoing suffering of hostages and their families.

The Oscars could have been a platform for uniting voices against violence and terror to highlight the shared human cost of conflict. Instead, the event missed an opportunity to illuminate the stark realities faced by those living in the shadow of terrorism.

Germany Stalls: Can Europe's Economic Engine Rev Back Up?

Germany, Europe's long-reliable powerhouse, finds itself in a slump in the early months of 2024. The economic engine that usually chugs along confidently now coughs and sputters amidst a shallow recession. What was a reassuring heartbeat for European markets has been replaced by the nervous whispers of a nation facing a changing world.

The reasons are clear. The war in Ukraine rages on, sending shockwaves through energy markets and leaving businesses and families squeezed. Still reeling from the pandemic, global supply chains continue to disrupt trade, putting pressure on Germany's mighty export sector.

There are sparks of hope, though. Recent immigration reforms signal the country's recognition of its shrinking workforce. Attracting skilled workers from overseas is a vital step for Germany's long-term economic health. There's a flicker, too, that a fragile recovery might take hold later this year.

Yet, the road ahead is lined with question marks. Global economic instability hangs in the air, and Germany's ability to navigate it all hinges on its adaptability.

Can it become an innovation hub and a leader in the green technology race? Can its leadership translate ambitious environmental goals into a genuine economic advantage?

Germany's future is, without a doubt, at a fork in the road. The success of its immigration plan and the unpredictable outcome of the Ukrainian war will chart the immediate course. But most importantly, its political will and the ability to maintain social unity will determine if the nation can regain its status as Europe's undisputed economic powerhouse.

Germany's uncertainty offers both risk and opportunity. It's a pivotal moment, and whether this engine gets jump-started or requires an overhaul is a story the world is watching with anticipation and apprehension.

Berlin Protest Denies Israel's Right with '48' Slogan

On February 26, 2024, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, historically marked by Cold War tensions, became the backdrop for an unregistered pro-Palestinian protest. Among various chants, the phrase "We want 48" resonated distinctly, not only for its vocal strength but also for its profound and divisive implications. The lack of intervention by local authorities, who monitored the rally without intervening, highlights the contentious nature of this event.

The slogan "We want 48" might seem a mere historical reference to those unfamiliar. However, its implications are extensive and deeply contentious. This chant transcends a call for justice or the pursuit of a peaceful resolution; it represents a stark opposition to the existence of the State of Israel, established in 1948. Such rhetoric extends beyond political debate or ideological differences, striking at the core of Jewish self-determination. This principle, enshrined in international law, reflects the Jewish people's long history of resilience in the face of centuries of persecution, culminating in the Holocaust. The founding of Israel was not just a significant historical event but also a refuge for Jews worldwide.

By uttering "We want 48," demonstrators at Checkpoint Charlie implicitly contested the legitimacy of a nation born amidst existential threats. The chant does not invite dialogue or seek compromise; somewhat, it negates Israel's right to exist.

Germany: Berlin's Dangerous Shift: The Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism

After October 7, 2023, Berlin has witnessed a dangerous shift, one that poses an undeniable threat to the Jewish community residing within its bounds. This transition, marked by an alarming rise in anti-Semitic sentiment under the guise of political activism, has transformed Berlin from a city of refuge and diversity into a landscape where the safety and security of Jews are perilously at risk.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin have increasingly become platforms for spreading vitriolic and hateful rhetoric against Israel and, by unfortunate extension, the Jewish people. Slogans such as Palestine until victory and chants branding Israel as a "terrorist state" are not mere expressions of political dissent but a dangerous catalyst for anti-Semitism. These protests, while purporting to advocate for Palestinian rights, often cross the line into outright denial of Israel's right to exist and defend itself, thereby endangering not just the geopolitical stability but also the lives and well-being of Jewish individuals in Berlin.

On February 24, 2024, a pro-Palestinian demonstration unfolded along Berlin's renowned Kurfuerstendamm towards Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz. The protest saw a large turnout, with participants vocally demanding a ceasefire, advocating for Palestinian rights, and condemning actions they described as genocidal. Amidst a sea of Palestinian flags, signs bearing messages such as "Ceasefire now," "Palestinian lives matter," "Stop the genocide," and "Freedom for Palestine" were prominently displayed.

The surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, targeting synagogues, community centers, and individuals, starkly illustrates the growing menace. These acts of hatred and violence, emboldened by the rhetoric espoused at such demonstrations, underscore a grim reality: being Jewish in Berlin is becoming synonymous with living under a constant shadow of threat.

The German government's condemnation of the attacks and expressions of solidarity with Israel, while important, are insufficient in the face of the urgent need to ensure the safety of Jewish citizens.

Those who cry 'Palestine until victory' are not far from taking Jewish lives with their own hands. Such individuals forfeit any claim to the recognition of peaceful protest. This isn't about freedom of expression; these are thoughts of annihilation, a desire to extinguish all Jewish life.

Michael Kuenne

The narrative that has emerged in some circles, portraying Israel's defense actions as aggression, needs to be corrected. The distinction between legitimate criticism of a government's policies and the delegitimization of a nation's right to defend its citizens must be clearly defined and upheld.

Given its historical context and commitment to human rights, Germany has a special responsibility to lead by example. It must protect its Jewish citizens and actively work to foster a culture of understanding, tolerance, and respect. This includes unequivocally supporting Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist threats and taking concrete steps to eradicate the scourge of anti-Semitism from society.

The Tragic End of Alexei Navalny

The death of Alexei Navalny on 16 February 2024, while imprisoned in the harsh confines of FKU IK-3 in Kharp, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, marks a chilling milestone in Russia's contemporary history. Navalny, a fervent critic of Vladimir Putin's regime and a relentless advocate for democracy and anti-corruption, met an untimely end that has resonated across the globe, sparking protests and condemnation.

“Alexei Navalny’s death in the clutches of a ruthless regime is a wound inflicted on all who yearn for a world where justice prevails. He was a man of extraordinary bravery. He exposed the corruption that plagues Russia under Putin, demanding accountability where there is none. He envisioned a Russia where citizens choose their leaders, not vice versa – a Russia at peace with itself and its neighbors. His death exposed the true nature of Putin’s regime: a corrupt system fueled by fear and violence. This is the same regime that unleashed a brutal and unprovoked war on Ukraine, shattering countless lives in its insatiable thirst for conquest. Putin’s actions are a blight on humanity. He seeks to crush the spirit of freedom, silencing those who dissent and trampling on the sovereignty of nations. But history teaches us that tyrants cannot win in the long run. The desire for liberty burns too brightly in the human heart. Navalny’s sacrifice will not be in vain. We must honor his memory by standing alongside the courageous people of Ukraine in their fight for survival. We must double down on our support for human rights defenders around the globe. And we must hold Putin and his cronies accountable for their crimes.

Tyranny may cast long shadows, but it cannot extinguish the flame of liberty in the hearts of the brave. Oppression will falter, justice will prevail, and the spirit of freedom will forever outshine the darkness. Tyrants will never win!”

— Michael Kuenne

Navalny's political journey has been marked by relentless persecution, from exposing graft within Russia's elite to his audacious bid for the presidency in 2018. His poisoning with a Novichok nerve agent in 2020 and subsequent imprisonment upon his return to Russia in 2021 highlight the extreme risks he faced in his fight against corruption.

Navalny's passing is not just a tragedy for his family and supporters; it is a stark warning to the world about the dangers of authoritarianism.