The Hidden Truth About Berlin's Protests One Year After October 7th

The events of October 7, 2023, marked a turning point for many people, both in Israel and globally, as well as for communities in Germany, particularly in Berlin. A year after the devastating attacks, the city finds itself at the intersection of complex political protests, rising anti-Semitism, and shifting identities. In this blog, we delve into the voices of those living in Berlin who continue to grapple with the aftermath of the conflict, exploring both the tensions surrounding public demonstrations and the impact on personal identities.

The Shift in Public Discourse: Anti-Semitism on the Rise

Since the tragic events of October 7, many individuals living in Berlin have noted a shift in public discourse. As a result of the violence and instability in the Middle East, some people feel emboldened to openly express their anti-Semitic views. One Palestinian protester, who has been vocal in demonstrations against the ongoing conflict, noted that anti-Semitic rhetoric has become more widespread. These protests, which often begin as expressions of solidarity for Palestinians, are increasingly infiltrated by hate-filled slogans and gestures that target Jewish people.

The rise in anti-Semitism in public spaces has made it more difficult for individuals like Jacn Shila, a stateless Palestinian, to peacefully protest and voice legitimate concerns. Despite the challenges, Shila insists that it is crucial to stand up for peace and coexistence, values that are central to her family’s teachings. She refuses to remain silent or allow hate to overshadow the message of solidarity she seeks to spread.

Navigating the Complexity of Protests: The Fight for Palestinian Rights Amid Rising Tensions

Many Palestinian and Israeli residents of Berlin have found themselves caught between two conflicting realities. Maya Volberg, an Israeli protester who has lived in Berlin for seven years, reflects on how the war has divided her world. "Life kind of stopped after October 7," she says. While her community is grappling with grief and fear, life continues for many others as though nothing has changed.

Volberg's participation in protests calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas underscores her desire for peace and justice. However, she frequently encounters a hostile environment where individuals shout slogans like "Free Palestine," which, to some, conveys more than just a call for justice for Palestinians. These chants have, at times, veered into anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic territory, making it increasingly difficult for protestors like Volberg to navigate their identity and the public discourse around the conflict. The presence of anti-Semitic rhetoric during peaceful protests has made the role of law enforcement particularly challenging, as it is hard to distinguish between protesters advocating for Palestinian rights and those seeking to spread hate.

The Struggle of Identity: A Stateless Palestinian’s Search for Belonging

For Jacn Shila, being stateless complicates her sense of belonging in the world. Without German or any other citizenship, she is denied the rights and privileges that most residents of Berlin take for granted. Yet, she finds strength in the solidarity expressed during protests and demonstrations. "It helps me to keep on living. It means I'm not alone," she says, describing the sense of community she feels when others raise their voices for her cause.

Shila's journey has also been one of rediscovering her Palestinian identity, which had once been overshadowed by a desire to assimilate into Western culture. As a teenager, Shila distanced herself from her heritage, fearing the negative stereotypes attached to Arabs in Germany. But over the past year, the conflict has helped her reconnect with her roots and embrace her cultural heritage. She has come to see the value of standing up for her identity and asserting her place in the world.

Dehumanization and the Need for Empathy

The recent escalation in violence in the Middle East has left many feeling dehumanized, particularly those from Palestinian backgrounds. Shila recalls a moment when she overheard people describing the deaths of her family members as "collateral damage." "It really dehumanized us as a people," she says. In Germany, the public perception of Palestinians is often limited to their connection to the Middle East conflict, with little regard for their culture, music, or personal stories.

This reductionist view of Palestinian identity—where individuals are seen only through the lens of violence and politics—has led to a sense of isolation for many. For Shila, being treated as a symbol rather than as a human being is painful. She longs to be seen for who she is, not merely as an argument for or against political ideologies. "I just want to exist as a human being," she says, a sentiment that resonates with many who find themselves caught between two warring worlds.

A Year of Personal Transformation and Strength

For many of the individuals featured in these protests, the year following October 7th has been one of transformation. For Shila, embracing her Palestinian identity has become an act of defiance against the dehumanizing narratives surrounding her people. The more ornate and traditional her cultural symbols, the more empowered she feels to reclaim her heritage. This year has been about rejecting the pressures of assimilation and celebrating her roots.

Shila's upcoming wedding and the henna party her family is organizing are part of her journey to reconnect with her heritage. As her sister paints traditional patterns on her hands, Shila reflects on how the last year has helped her rediscover the beauty and strength of her culture. It’s a celebration of life in the face of tragedy—a reminder that despite the pain and hardship, there is still beauty and joy to be found in one's identity.

A Call for Solidarity and Peace

Both Palestinian and Israeli voices in Berlin are calling for peace, coexistence, and solidarity. Despite the deep divisions created by the events of October 7, there are still many who believe that a future built on mutual respect and understanding is possible. These voices are not always loud, but they are persistent. Maya Volberg's hope is that more people will join the conversation, show up for the protests, and stand in solidarity with those who seek peace. "Even if it's for 10 people, we still have to do it," she says.

At its core, the struggle in Berlin is about finding humanity amidst political and ethnic divides. Whether through protests, personal reflection, or acts of cultural reclaiming, the individuals involved in these movements are showing that despite the weight of history and the pain of current events, the possibility for coexistence and understanding is still worth fighting for.

Conclusion: Standing Up for Humanity

The events of October 7th and the year that followed have undoubtedly altered the course of many lives in Berlin and beyond. People from all walks of life—whether Palestinian, Israeli, or otherwise—are facing a world that has become more divided, more polarized, and, at times, more dangerous. Yet, there is hope. By putting humanity at the center of these conversations, by focusing on the value of coexistence, empathy, and solidarity, Berlin's residents are showing that it is possible to build a better future, even amidst the most painful of pasts.

As the year progresses, the voices of those fighting for peace, justice, and human dignity continue to resonate in Berlin, reminding us that the battle for a more just world is never over.