Hundreds of Munich citizens gather around synagogue in order to protect it from anti-Israel protest.
By Rachel Avraham
In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of Munich residents gathered around the city’s main synagogue, forming a human chain to protect it from potential threats during a nearby anti-Israel rally. The peaceful action sent a clear message: Munich stands united against antisemitism and hate.
The demonstrators included people from all walks of life – families, students, activists, and local leaders – who came together to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. Many held signs reading “No to Hate,” “We Stand Together,” and “Stop Antisemitism,” creating a visible wall of support and unity.
Munich’s mayor praised the citizens’ initiative, declaring: “Our city will never be a breeding ground for hatred or division. Munich belongs to all of us, regardless of religion or background. Today we send a message to the world – antisemitism has no place here.”
Local police bolstered security in the area, deploying additional patrols to prevent any confrontations between the anti-Israel rally and the human chain participants, who were protecting the synagogue. Officials reported that both events proceeded peacefully, thanks to tight coordination between community leaders and law enforcement.
The event comes amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe, particularly since the recent escalation in the Middle East. Experts warn that hostile rhetoric online and in public protests is fueling prejudice, creating an increasingly unsafe environment for Jewish communities.
Leaders of Munich’s Jewish community expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. “Seeing people from different backgrounds stand with us is incredibly moving,” said the synagogue’s head. “It reminds us that solidarity and compassion can overcome hate.”
The action drew international attention and praise. Both U.S. and Israeli officials applauded Munich’s residents for their courage and unity. Analysts noted that such grassroots demonstrations play a critical role in countering extremist narratives and reinforcing democratic values.
This event will likely be remembered as a defining moment in Munich’s modern history – a testament to the city’s refusal to let past tragedies be repeated and a reminder that human dignity and freedom of religion must always be protected.
The Friday anti-Israel rally, organized by the group Palestine Speaks, was given permission to travel right past the city’s main synagogue, posing a threat to the Jewish community, the Jerusalem Post reported. According to the report, the protesters shouted “Death to the IDF” and waved Palestinian flags, according to footage from the rally. According to the Jewish Forum for Democracy and Against Antisemitism, “Hamas terror was glorified as ‘Palestinian resistance,’ and German, Israeli, and French hostages held by the Islamist terror group were denounced as ‘war criminals.’”
Bernhard Liess, city dean of the Evangelical District of Munich, wrote on Instagram, “Why a pro-Palestinian demonstration with loud anti-Israel slogans must pass by the Munich Jakob Synagogue precisely on Friday evening at the start of the Shabbat services remains a nuisance and incomprehensible.”
“Standing by the side of our Jewish brothers and sisters is the least we can do in the face of such hatred and incitement on the streets,” nun Sister Gisela, who formed part of the chain, told the Jerusalem Post. According to the report, in photos on X/Twitter, Sister Gisela can be seen with a yellow hostage pin on her habit.
Photo from AFP News Agency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkck3GfwEF4
