Berlin’s police chief, Barbara Slowik, issued an extraordinary warning for Jews and members of the LGBTQ+ community to exercise caution in parts of the capital city with significant Arab populations. Slowik cited open hostility and sympathies for terrorist groups as reasons for heightened concern.
“There are areas of the city, we need to be perfectly honest here, where I would advise people who wear a kippah or are openly gay to be more careful,” Slowik admitted, according to The Telegraph. Her remarks come amidst a surge in antisemitism across Europe.
Since Oct 7 last year, Berlin’s police have opened more than 6,000 investigations connected to anti-Semitism, according to Ms Slowik. Most of these concern online hate speech or graffiti.
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On the day of the Hamas massacres, men handed out sweets in celebration in the Berlin neighbourhood of Neukolln, an incident that shocked Germany and led to deep anxiety over whether the recent waves of migration had made Jewish life less safe.
Neukolln, also famous for its LGBT nightlife, is the Berlin district with the highest Arab population. The two communities have coexisted for years, although there have been several incidents of gay couples being physically assaulted in recent years.
Earlier this month, a large majority of lawmakers in the Bundestag, Germany’s national parliament, voted for a new resolution against anti-Semitism that mentioned migration from the Middle East as a factor.
A Broader Pattern of Antisemitism in Europe
Slowik’s warning follows recent events that highlight the growing risks faced by Jewish communities across the continent. In Amsterdam, Jewish soccer fans were targeted after a match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite prior warnings from Mossad to Dutch authorities about alarming social media activity, mobs harassed Israeli fans outside the stadium. Reports allege that some Arab members of the local police force undermined efforts to maintain order, enabling agitators to act with impunity.
Police in the Netherlands FINALLY Release Photos!
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) November 16, 2024
At first, the police released blurred images of five of the most violent Jew hunters involved in the horrifying attacks following the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer match. They claimed this was to “give them a chance” to turn… pic.twitter.com/S42pqk98cC
In France, similar concerns prompted extreme measures to protect Israeli athletes. Ahead of a Nations League match against France, the Israeli national football team was forced to train in secret. Authorities deployed approximately 4,000 police officers, including elite units, to secure the game amid fears of antisemitic violence in Paris.
Tonight, AJC Europe Director @SRodan attended the UEFA Nations League match between Israel and France, where the tension was palpable.
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) November 14, 2024
Stadium capacity was limited to 20%, with 4,000 police officers deployed. Among the attendees were French President @EmmanuelMacron, Prime… pic.twitter.com/Z7gyjbNnU1
Rising Concerns and Calls for Action
The warnings from Berlin’s police chief underline the broader challenges European authorities face in combating antisemitism and safeguarding minority communities. As tensions rise, Jewish and LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly advised to prioritize their safety, even if it means hiding who they are in public.
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How about they rid Berlin of the problem? Merkle screwe up that country big time by allowing these haters in there, and they should be removed en masse.
Sure. Take away the civil rights of Jews and LGBTQ to please the Muslims. Better yet, ARREST the Muslims who harass Jews and LGBTQ for hate crimes.