Israel-Hamas-war: Berlin demonstrations ahead of October 7

On Saturday, October 5, two days before the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel, there was a pro-Israel demonstration in Berlin. People gathered in front of Humboldt University to protest against antisemitism.

At the same time, a pro-Palestinian demonstration is taking place elsewhere in Berlin. At the Platz der Luftbrücke, many demonstrators are carrying Palestinian flags, as well as a large banner soaked in fake blood saying "Stop Israel's bloody genocide."

A lot of police are deployed to prevent violence. On the social media platform X, police said 500 officers were on site. The police estimated the number of participants in the pro-Palestinian rally at around 500 and the pro-Israeli demonstration at around 650.

Even though the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel is not until Monday, the installation "Square of the Hamas Hostages" has been on Bebelplatz in Berlin since Friday. The photos on the white plastic chairs show the Israelis kidnapped by Hamas. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization in Germany, the US and many other countries.

Next to the empty chairs, organizers set up living room furniture, including a baby cot. Some of the furniture is broken. Large fake blood stains can be seen on the sofa. The installation symbolizes the Hamas attack on Israeli families on October 7, 2023.

There were pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations not only in Berlin but also in other German cities and around the world. Further demonstrations have been announced for Sunday and Monday — and the number of participants will likely be larger than on Saturday.