Berlin, Germany - September 16, 2024

"Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators faced off at the Technical University of Berlin on Monday, September 16, 2024, following a lecture by former Green Party politician Volker Beck. The event, which focused on Jewish holidays and German holiday law, sparked strong reactions, leading to clashes between both sides, with police intervening to maintain order. Pro-Palestinian protesters, many wearing Kufiyas and holding Palestinian flags, chanted slogans such as "Free, free Palestine," "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free," and "Israel is a child murderer." Some shouted explicit criticisms of Germany and Israel, including "Fuck you, Germany and fuck you, Israel." Police were forced to step in and detain several protesters for ID checks after tensions escalated. On the other side, pro-Israeli demonstrators expressed their support for Beck and Israel, with both groups separated by police officers. Beck, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel and the president of the German-Israeli Society, remarked after the event, "Everyone has the right to protest as long as it remains lawful." The protests underline the deep divisions that persist in Germany over the Israel-Hamas war, particularly in academic settings. Soundbite 1 - Volker Beck"Protests are something you have to endure. The right to demonstrate is also a right for fools and a right to foolishness. But I expect democratic politicians and university leadership to take a clear stance and say: 'We oppose positions that deny Israel the right to self-defense and try to hinder the advocacy for Jewish religious freedom.' In this regard, I think the university leadership still has a chance to make up for their lack of action."Soundbite 2 - Ahmad, Protester"Israel and its allies are systematically committing mass murder, ethnic cleansing, and genocide, especially in Gaza."Soundbite 3 - Protester Tamar"I hope the German government will start checking who the refugees are they're bringing in, whether they are truly refugees who will genuinely integrate into this country."