On Saturday, November 4, 2023, thousands took to the streets in Berlin and many other German cities in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We are not alone in this: we are joining millions of people around the world who are raising their voices against mass killing and for a just peace in the Middle East.

I don’t like the reverse burden of proof, which demands that an entire population group distance itself from violence on the basis of the identity characteristics ascribed to it from outside. However, as the social mood in Germany is currently so heated, I would still like to start by saying that the large demonstration in Berlin, like the vast majority of global protests, was mostly peaceful. In my opinion, this is very remarkable when you consider the desperate situation in which the Palestinians find themselves.

Therein lies the power of solidarity when it includes rather than excludes. In addition to chants of “freedom for Palestine” and “stop the genocide”, there were also those of “international solidarity is the key”. The broad alliance was also expressed in the speeches: the contributions from groups from the Palestinian community were complemented by the Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East, the European Legal Support Center and DiEM25, among others.

There are many people in Germany who are (not only) at the moment justifiably afraid of attacks and discrimination, and also many for whom it is difficult to engage both emotionally and rationally in expressions of solidarity with Palestine. It is my great hope that events like this colourful demonstration on Saturday can not only contribute to a ceasefire in Gaza, but also make us feel less threatened by each other and treat each other with respect.

This applies not least to the forces of law and order and the leading media. If violence is expected, this quickly leads to a self-fulfilling prediction. The responsibility to prevent this is particularly incumbent on those bodies that determine public discourse and represent state authority. In this context, I would also like to mention once again that, although possible riots were almost talked up, to my knowledge there were no incidents worth mentioning. I think that gives us hope. We must now continue to do everything in our power to ensure that the weapons in the Middle East fall silent, first immediately, then permanently.

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