Overview
- Germany’s domestic intelligence service warned of an “erhebliche Gefährdungslage,” citing intensified calls for attacks on pro‑Jewish and pro‑Israel sites and a shared resonance space for extremists on social media.
- Berlin police plan a citywide deployment of roughly 1,400 officers with support from multiple states, using road closures and targeted lighting to safeguard memorial events and protect Jewish and Israeli institutions.
- Authorities opened a criminal investigation into a demonstration call that praised the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, on suspicion of rewarding and approving criminal acts under German law.
- Recent Berlin pro‑Palestine marches drew tens of thousands with repeated scuffles reported, and today’s program includes vigils, a Jewish student rally, a “Bring them home” illumination at the Brandenburg Gate, and a larger protest at Alexanderplatz.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the public to reach out to Jewish citizens and pressed for the immediate release of remaining hostages, as Jewish communities such as in Thuringia report rising israel‑related antisemitism and growing fear; separate media reports say three men were arrested in Berlin‑Moabit with weapons and the federal prosecutor took over the case.