A pro-Palestinian protest took place at the Brandenburg Gate on September 13, 2025. At least 12,000 people gathered for a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, rallying under the slogan “Stop the genocide in Gaza.” The protest was called by Sahra Wagenknecht, founder of the Buendnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) party, and drew several well-known German figures, including veteran actor and comedian Dieter Hallervorden, rapper Massiv, television host Daniel Aminati, and musician Bausa. Former Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters addressed the crowd in a video message. Rock singer Peter Maffay had supported the call but did not appear in person. Wagenknecht told the rally that “every war is a crime,” condemning the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 in Israel, while accusing Israel of indiscriminate bombing and blockade of Gaza. Hallervorden called for “peace instead of grenades,” and Aminati described Israel’s actions as genocide while also noting the plight of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Many participants waved Palestinian flags and carried placards demanding an end to weapons deliveries to conflict zones. Across Pariser Platz, on the opposite side of the Brandenburg Gate, about two dozen people held a pro-Israel counter-demonstration. They displayed Israeli flags and banners reading “Solidarity instead of hate, against all antisemitism.” Supporters also laid flowers and displayed photos in memory of recent victims, including American activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University this week, and Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed in a stabbing attack in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. Police said the Berlin protests were largely peaceful, with about 1,000 officers deployed. Organizers had expected as many as 15,000 demonstrators. Israel rejects accusations of genocide and says its campaign in Gaza is aimed at dismantling Hamas, the militant group that carried out the Oct. 7 massacre.
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