Edward DP Situmorang
KREUZBERG – Up to 800 Hamas sympathizers flooded the streets of Kreuzberg, Germany, on the third anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack, Tuesday (XX/XX/2026). This demonstration not only displayed symbols of the group but also featured the presence of renowned climate activist, Greta Thunberg, and the shouting of provocative slogans, including Verpiss dich, du Zionisten-Journalist (Get lost, Zionist journalist), before ultimately being dispersed by the police.
The crowd, estimated at up to 800 people, gathered in the heart of Kreuzberg, a district in Berlin known for its diversity and political history. They moved in formation, drawing significant attention from local residents and law enforcement.
The event coincided with the third anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, an incident that killed many civilians and ignited an ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This moment often serves as a rallying point for supporters and opponents of various factions in the conflict.
Greta Thunberg's presence among the demonstrators surprised many. The global environmental activist was seen walking with the crowd, although her exact role in the organization or delivery of the demonstration's message could not be precisely determined.
During the protest, various symbols associated with Hamas were clearly visible. Furthermore, the shouting of controversial slogans, such as the rude address to journalists labeled Zionist, further heated the atmosphere.
The slogan became one of the peaks of provocation that triggered a strong reaction. The phrase Verpiss dich, du Zionisten-Journalist explicitly indicates a strong anti-media and anti-Zionist narrative within this movement, potentially overstepping the boundaries of freedom of expression.
German police, who were on alert, eventually decided to disperse the demonstration. This action was taken after a series of warnings were ignored and the potential for legal violations related to hate speech and support for a forbidden organization became increasingly evident.
This incident once again highlights the simmering social tensions in Germany regarding the Middle East conflict. Berlin, in particular, has been a frequent site of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations, which often lead to clashes or forced dispersal.
The phenomenon is also a global concern, given the escalating complexity of the conflict. Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, once affirmed that the October 7 attack was a warning of the dangers of ethnic and religious hatred, a sentiment relevant to the situation in Kreuzberg.
The German government itself faces a significant challenge in balancing the right to freedom of assembly and speech with the need to maintain public order and firmly address hate speech or support for groups deemed terrorist.
Editorial Insight: This incident in Kreuzberg is not just an ordinary demonstration; it is a reflection of deep polarization and integration challenges in European society. The involvement of public figures like Greta Thunberg can indirectly lend validation to certain agendas, regardless of her intentions. It is crucial for authorities to consistently enforce laws against hate speech and support for terrorism, while also ensuring space for constructive dialogue so that tensions do not continue to escalate within the community.
