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Linke Leader Ousted After Calling Visiting Bat Yam Mayor 'Genocide Perpetrator' at Neukölln Council

The clash during a sister-city visit has prompted CDU scrutiny of public funds awarded to the charity Al‑Huleh.

Overview

  • On October 15, Bat Yam mayor Tzvika Brot addressed Neukölln’s district assembly on the partnership, efforts against antisemitism, and security threats, and he invited Mayor Martin Hikel to visit Central Israel.
  • Linke faction chief Ahmed Abed interrupted, called Brot a “Völkermörder,” was temporarily removed from the chamber, and his colleagues then left the meeting.
  • Brot replied, “You must mean Hamas,” and cited the October 2023 attack in southern Israel, noting the mass killings and roughly 250 hostages taken.
  • The CDU questioned district and Landeszentrale funding for the charity Al‑Huleh, pointing to a social‑media video that shows Israel rendered in Palestinian flag colors at a public event.
  • Following the session, Hikel continued the exchange with Brot at the town hall, indicating plans for ongoing municipal cooperation.