The internet version of the German-language newspaper Berliner Zeitung reported on Saturday, May 4, 2024, concerning an anti-Israel protest that had occurred the day before on the campus of the Humboldt University in Berlin. One German official voiced the concern that the already widespread feelings of antisemitism could escalate into a protest movement on the scale of that in the U.S.

The article follows [translated from Germany by LOC]:

Based on the numerous protests at many U.S. universities due to the Middle East conflict, the German Federal Government’s Commissioner for [Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against] Antisemitism fears an escalation of anti-Israel actions in Germany as well. On Friday, dozens of people demonstrated at the Humboldt University in Berlin.

“I have observed with great concern an aggressive anti-Israel mood at the German universities, which is also motivated due to antisemitism,” Klein told the [newspaper] Rheinische Post (Saturday). “For sure we have not reached the dimensions [of the protests] in the U.S., which are to be lamented. But a basic antisemitic attitude is unfortunately widespread and can very quickly lead to an escalation.

As a police spokesperson shared early Saturday morning, around 150 persons were recorded in front of the Humboldt University on Friday. It was further stated that the police took the personal details of 40 persons. Many demonstrated with a ‘sit-in’ at the campus center. Many of the overwhelmingly young people wore Palestinian scarves or were masked. Again and again, calls for “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide” were to be heard.

In the U.S., thousands of students have been protesting for more than two weeks against the Israeli military operation and for solidarity with the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, 2000 persons were arrested in this context. Mostly, the protests concern demands for universities and enterprises to cut financial ties to Israel. Critics accuse especially the radical part of the protest movement of antisemitism and trivialization of the Hamas terror organization.

Klein said he hears again and again of completely unacceptable cases where Jewish students are made responsible for what the Israeli Army is doing. “They are taken into collective detention and only permitted into lecture halls or seminar rooms if they condemn the military action. As a result, many no longer dare to go to the university or to show their Jewish identity so often. Universities should consistently use their administrative powers to indicate at central entrances that political acts by those not attending the university will not be tolerated. Warning against trespassing or disturbing the peace should also be posted.