Status: 13.10.2023, 20:38 PM
By: Jana Stabner, Martin Trotz
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The war in Israel is causing different reactions in Germany. At a university in Berlin, this is seen as essential for a "free society".
After the large-scale attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel, several pro-Palestinian flags have appeared at a dormitory of the state-recognized and German-American university "Bard College" in Berlin. According to BuzzFeed information, some of them have only been seen explicitly since the Hamas attack on Israel last weekend (7.10.2023). (Here are five terms to better understand the Middle East conflict in three minutes.)
"Even if these are not criminal acts, it can presumably be assumed that there was an expression of sympathy for the terrorist attack by Hamas," a spokesman for the Berlin Senate Department told BuzzFeed News Germany.
"This once again shows the great need for action to lead the fight against anti-Semitism in Berlin even more intensively and sustainably," said Stefan Strauß from the Senate Department for Labour, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination (SenASGIVA). However, since in the present case it is not a state but a private university, Berlin, whose solidarity with Israel is "clear and unequivocal", has its hands tied. But what are the consequences of Bard College itself?
Palestinian flags appeared at a dormitory of Bard College Berlin in Berlin after Hamas' terrorist attack last weekend. © BuzzFeed UK
Related: War in Israel: Five things you need to keep in mind on social media
Palestine flag: Right to freedom of expression applies "also to all students"
The head of Bard College Berlin, Florian Becker, reacts to the Palestine flag at the dormitory. He emphasizes to BuzzFeed News Germany that the university has no "understanding of violence". "We condemn the brutal murder and abduction of innocent people in Israel. Our sympathy and sympathy go out solely to the people killed, injured and abducted and their families."
Becker points out that Bard College Berlin maintains close partnerships with educational institutions in Israel and Palestine and accommodates students of very different religions from Israel, Palestine and numerous other states and territories. "Academic work and debate presuppose freedom from terror and violence as well as the existence of a free society."
Displaying symbols and flags is protected by the Basic Law of Freedom of Expression. "Of course, this right also applies to all students," says the university director. They would have to "represent and take responsibility for their statements themselves". "I am sure that this will happen, or is already happening, within the university community and in critical dialogue, also with regard to the display of the Palestinian flag and the other flags," says Becker. However, a change in the regulations for tenants and students is being considered.
BuzzFeed News Germany also asked the district of Pankow, where the university is located, about the Palestine flags. So far, he has not come forward.
More on the topic: Hundreds of Munich residents show solidarity with Israel – next to a pro-Palestine demonstration
War in Israel: What Happened?
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah), Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the US, the EU and Israel, had caused the worst bloodbath among civilians since the founding of the Israeli state. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), about 150 people were abducted to the Gaza Strip, including at least five Germans, one of whom was killed, according to ZDF reports.
The death toll from the large-scale attacks by the Islamist Hamas, according to which Israel has the following options, has risen to at least 1200,11, an IDF spokesman announced on Wednesday, October 900. At least 4500 people died and 300,000 others were injured as a result of Israeli Air Force counterstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
On the border with the Gaza Strip, from where Hamas began its attacks over the weekend, the Israeli army has massed troops since the terrorist attack and mobilized <>,<> reservists. The war in Israel is expected to escalate further. It is possible that an Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip is now imminent. The government has ordered the closure of the Gaza Strip.
(With material from dpa)