The Central Council of Jews speaks of an “abstract increased risk situation” – Hamas has called for anti-Israel protests worldwide on Friday. The German security authorities are on alert.
The Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas has called for anti-Israel protests worldwide on Friday. The Central Council of Jews in Germany speaks of an “abstract increased risk situation.” The background to the call is the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel and the military reaction of the attacked country, in particular the air strikes on the Gaza Strip, which is populated by Palestinians. Some pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Germany cheered Hamas’ attack.
The security authorities in Germany are on alert. A situation report available to the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” shows that the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is expecting a wave of protests against “Jewish institutions and prayer houses”. According to the report, the BKA predicts targeted anti-Semitic actions from the left-wing extremist scene – particularly in the form of property damage to relevant facilities. According to the situation report, there are still no calls for attacks in Germany or Europe.
Münch expects “response” from German Hamas supporters
The Central Council of Jews said in a statement that they were in constant communication with the security authorities. Security measures in front of Jewish institutions have been increased again nationwide. “Everything possible is being done by both the state and the Jewish side to ensure security.”
“The measures to protect Jewish institutions are currently being coordinated very closely between the federal and state governments,” said BKA boss Holger Münch to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). The protection of Jewish institutions was increased again in all 16 federal states after Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.
Münch expects that Hamas’ call will also “resonate” with German Hamas supporters. It’s about “clearly drawing” the boundaries of demonstrations. Of course it is allowed to show sympathy for the fate of Israelis and Palestinians or to protest, said the BKA boss. “But if the whole thing is misused for terrorist propaganda, then the limits of not only criminal law have been exceeded. Then we also have to stop such gatherings.”
Hamburg police use interpreters
In Hamburg, the police are expecting pro-Palestinian protests despite bans. The police announced on Thursday that the rally under the motto “Solidarity with Rojava and Palestine” at Hamburg Central Station would be banned. But given a call on social networks, spontaneous gatherings can be expected at any time.
These could be characterized by a very high level of emotion and could also lead to criminal acts such as condoning crimes or incitement to hatred. The police emphasized that they would take consistent action. “We have a large number of emergency services available for this purpose.” Interpreters are also in use to be able to identify criminally relevant statements made in a non-German language. The protective measures, especially for Jewish institutions, are already at a very high level.
NRW and Baden-Württemberg are also increasing protection
The Ministry of the Interior in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) also ordered increased protection of Jewish community facilities, reports WDR. Among other things, the police presence in front of synagogues will be increased. Immediately after the Hamas attacks on Israel began last Saturday, the police increased their presence in front of Jewish institutions. Now NRW is temporarily increasing the protective measures again.
The Baden-Württemberg police are also once again increasing their protection of Jewish institutions. State Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) said on Thursday in Stuttgart that, given the threats from Hamas on Friday, the security authorities were carefully evaluating the situation in the country. “Even if there are no concrete indications of danger, the Baden-Württemberg police will intensify their measures again based on the already high level of protection.”
Accordingly, more police officers will be deployed, educational measures will be increased again and “the protection of Jewish institutions and Jewish life will therefore be firmly taken into account.”
