Massive protests sweep Munich: thousands unite against Middle East conflict

Last weekend saw waves of protests throughout Munich. Over a thousand demonstrators braved the icy weather on Friday, hitting the streets to voice their disapproval of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. By Sunday afternoon, several hundred more individuals joined together at Odeonsplatz, rallying forth in opposition to terrorism, intolerance, and anti-Semitism.

The congregation at Odeonsplatz in Munich on Friday evening consisted of about 1,100 attendees. The peaceful demonstration was held under the motto "Freedom for Palestine. Stop the genocide. Stop the war". Despite the heavy snowfall and punishing winds, the protesters remained steadfast in their commitment.

Meanwhile, Saturday marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Approximately 500 supporters rallied in downtown Munich, focusing not just on women's rights but also the vexed situation in the Middle East.

Sunday saw Munich's residents taking to the streets a second time, but this time showcasing their support for Israelis and Jews residing in Bavaria. Local politicians and Jewish organization members were among the organizers for the afternoon protest at Odeonsplatz, which saw an attendance of approximately 400 people.

Official records reveal that there were 148 anti-Semitic incidents reported in Germany between October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, and November 9. To put it in context, this is a significant escalation from the same period last year, which saw a total of only 52 incidents, according to reporting from "Bild".

Despite the chill, German media highlighted how hundreds of people embarked upon a solemn march through the city streets. Ending up at the Angel of Peace monument, the demonstrators looked to express their yearning for peace and their opposition to international conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as situations in Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and other war-torn nations.