Call for Solidarity After Antisemitic Attack in Berlin
Berlin, September 15 – Following an antisemitic attack on a woman wearing a Star of David in Berlin, Jewish community organizations and initiatives have issued a call for a city-wide act of solidarity. All residents of Berlin are encouraged to visibly wear a Star of David on Thursday, publicly and on social media, as part of the “Berlin Wears Star of David” campaign.
The call suggests various ways to display the Star of David, including as a necklace, a pin, on a T-shirt, or through other means. “Whether live or on social media, every Star of David counts,” the organizers stated.
Details of the Attack
The 43-year-old woman was attacked in the early hours of Friday morning on Torstraße in the Mitte district. According to the Berlin police, she was verbally accosted about her Star of David before one of two men allegedly attacked her with a broken glass bottle. The woman suffered several cuts to her hand while defending herself and was subsequently taken to a hospital.
Solidarity with a Non-Jewish Ally
The organizers of the solidarity campaign emphasized that the victim is not Jewish herself. “The attacked woman is not Jewish. She wore the Star of David as a conscious sign of solidarity with Jewish people. For this, she deserves our deepest respect,” the initiators announced. They added that the woman stood by the Jewish community, and now the Jewish community stands by her. “If criminals want to remove the Star of David from Berlin’s cityscape, then Berlin will hopefully respond with thousands of Stars of David.”
Community Response and Broader Implications
This incident has sparked concern and outrage within the community, highlighting the ongoing struggle against antisemitism. The call to action aims to send a clear message that such acts of hatred will not be tolerated in Berlin and that the community stands united against discrimination.
The solidarity campaign is expected to draw significant participation, both in public spaces and across various social media platforms, as residents of Berlin demonstrate their commitment to tolerance and mutual respect. The organizers hope that a widespread display of the Star of David will serve as a powerful symbol of resistance against antisemitism and a testament to the city’s diverse and inclusive values.
The police investigation into the attack is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The incident underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat antisemitism and protect individuals from hate-motivated violence.
The Jewish community’s swift and organized response reflects a determination to transform a hateful act into an opportunity for unity and collective action. By encouraging public displays of solidarity, the campaign seeks to foster a stronger sense of belonging and security for all residents, regardless of their background or beliefs.
This initiative also serves as a reminder of the historical significance of the Star of David and its transformation from a symbol of persecution to one of resilience and pride. The act of wearing it publicly, especially by non-Jewish individuals, carries a profound message of allyship and defiance against those who seek to divide communities through fear and hatred.
The success of the “Berlin Wears Star of David” campaign will be measured not only by the number of participants but also by its lasting impact on public discourse and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and tolerant society in Berlin.
