Hamas called for action against Jewish institutions. The call speaks of an “Al-Aqsa Flood Friday” – the code name for the terrorist attacks against Israel. In addition to solidarity with Palestine, the appeal also includes a call for more violence and confrontation. It is also aimed at Palestinians outside the Middle East.
The German-Israeli Society then demanded that the police “increase as much as possible” the security of the facilities. President Volker Beck said: “Hamas’ attempt to globalize the conflict on Friday is alarming.” Now the police are questioned.
Anti-Semitism Commissioner: Warning to Hamas sympathizers
The Federal Government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, warns Hamas supporters against actions in Germany. A Hamas call to action for this Friday shows: “The anti-Semitic terrorist organization Hamas wants to spread its bestial hatred against Jews throughout the world,” Klein told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” newspapers on Friday. She is not concerned about the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. “Their goal is the destruction of Israel and Jewish life.” Klein said he was warning Hamas sympathizers in Germany in the clearest terms: “The German security authorities are keeping an eye on you.” Jewish institutions would be comprehensively protected and enemies of the constitution would be monitored.
NRW is further increasing security measures
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) has ordered stricter protective measures against particularly vulnerable Jewish community facilities, according to the Interior Ministry in Düsseldorf.
Police presence in front of synagogues will also be increased. In this way, North Rhine-Westphalia is once again temporarily increasing its protection measures. Immediately after Hamas attacks on Israel began on Saturday, police in North Rhine-Westphalia increased their presence at Jewish institutions.
Islamic associations: solidarity with Jews and a call for prudence
Muslim and Turkish organizations in Germany have demonstrated solidarity with Jews and called for peace. Federal President of the Turkish Community in Germany (TGD), Gökay Sofuoglu, addressed words to all Muslims in Germany. “Stay balanced! Stay away from Hamas manipulation; it harms Muslims all over the world!” he told the Tagesspiegel newspaper on Friday. Sofuoglu further demanded: “We must show a clear position together. I therefore appeal to all Muslims in Germany not to allow themselves to be exploited by Hamas.”
Before Friday prayers, the chairman of the Coordination Council of Muslims in Germany, Yakup Ayar, also called for peace. Ayar told “Tagesspiegel”: “During Friday’s sermon, we will address this topic in all DITIB mosques across the country and pray together for peace.” All major Islamic associations and therefore most mosques in Germany belong to the association.
Concern grew in the Jewish community in Germany
Concern about violence has grown recently in the Jewish community in Germany. According to the Central Council of Jews, security measures will be increased across the country.
The Jewish sports association Makkabi Germany also called on its local clubs to be vigilant.