Thousands join Israel and Palestine demos over weekend

Two large demonstrations took place in Berlin over the weekend, reflecting deep divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict. On Saturday, around 3,500 people gathered for a pro-Palestine rally, while a much larger pro-Israel event drew over 10,000 attendees the following day. Both events highlighted the ongoing tensions and emotional responses to the situation abroad.

The first demonstration, held on Saturday, supported Palestine under the slogan 'Decolonise! Against Oppression Globally!'. Police estimated about 3,500 participants, though the organiser’s identity could not be confirmed from reliable sources.

The following day, a pro-Israel rally attracted significantly more people. Police put the number at 10,000, while organisers claimed 25,000 had attended. Among the crowd, Roni Roman performed a birthday song for her sister, who remains held captive. The emotional moment underscored the personal toll of the conflict for many in attendance. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner both addressed the pro-Israel gathering. Steinmeier spoke strongly about the resurgence of fear among Jews in Germany, calling the situation *unbearable*. His remarks reflected broader concerns about rising antisemitism and the impact of the conflict on German society.

The contrasting demonstrations showed Berlin’s divided public opinion on the Israel-Palestine issue. The pro-Israel event, with its higher turnout and high-profile speakers, signalled strong support for Israel within Germany. Meanwhile, the pro-Palestine rally, though smaller, indicated persistent solidarity with Palestinian causes.