Berlin commemorates the victim of the Hamas massacre: a day of memory

Berlin commemorates the victim of the Hamas massacre: a day of memory

On October 8, 2025, memorial events take place in Berlin to commemorate the victim of the devastating Hamas massacre on October 7, 2022. On this day, the participants recalled the tragic events, in which around 1,200 people lost their lives and over 250 relatives were kidnapped. As part of the events, the police were deployed with around 1,400 forces to ensure the safety of the participants. There were several memorations, including at the Brandenburg Gate and at Bebelplatz, where symbolic chairs were set up to honor the deceased. These include some that represent full families.

The names of the more than 1,200 people who died were read out at the Brandenburg Gate. In the evening, the message “Bring them home now” is projected onto the Brandenburg Gate to draw attention to the situation of the hostages. A vigil against anti-Semitism was also planned at Bebelplatz, while Bundestag President Julia Klöckner opened an exhibition addressing the attack on the Nova music festival.

Memory and responsibility

Flags flew at half-mast across the country. An ecumenical service in Hedwig's Cathedral, led by Bishops Heiner Koch and Christian Stäblein, highlighted the tragic loss. These memorial events are not only in the context of mourning, but also against the background of increasing anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. After the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, anti-Semitic protests increased sharply. The Federal Association of Anti-Semitism Research and Information Centers (RIAS) documented over 2,200 anti-Semitic meetings between October 2023 and the end of 2024, a dramatic increase from the previous average of one meeting per day to up to five daily.

The violence of groups that are directed against Jewish life has also increased. Anti -Semitic slogans relate directly to Israel in 89 percent of cases, which indicates networking between different movements that normalize anti -Semitism. According to reports, threats and attacks on Jewish communities are omnipresent, and the protection of the constitution speaks of a significant risk situation. Security authorities have already thwarted attack plans to Jewish facilities.

Political reactions

In response to events and the increase in anti -Semitic resentments, Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed the appeal to actively protect Jewish life and show social solidarity. However, he is also exposed to criticism because he and Foreign Minister WadePhul is accused of having "sincerely buried" the state of the state. Merz ordered an arms stop in August that concerns the export ban from arms goods to Israel.

The regional bishop Friedrich Kramer emphasized the need to recognize the suffering of the civilian population on both sides of the conflict and called on all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to comply with the provisions of international law. I have faith in these as we remember the events of October 7, 2022 and at the same time keep an eye on the current challenges against Jews.