On the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, numerous people gathered in the Bavarian capital for the “365 Days – Munich against Anti-Semitism” memorial event.
Many waved Israeli flags or small banners with the organizers’ logo, a red Star of David with the silhouette of Munich, showing the city’s unity in the fight against hatred, discrimination and anti-Semitism.
The police did not have an exact number of participants shortly after the start, though the organizers were hoping for 8,000 people in advance and wanted to create the largest demonstration against anti-Semitism in the country.
They also called for the release of all hostages, the organizers said. A broad alliance of over 100 different groups from the fields of culture, politics, religion, sports, business and civil society initiatives issued the callout.
A counter-demonstration by a group calling itself “Palestine Speaks Munich” was held within view of the memorial event, under the banner, “365 Days of Genocide.”
Police said well over the 100 people who had registered took part.
Some 400 officers were on hand to ensure that both events ran smoothly.
