On Labor Day in Leipzig, anti-Semites infiltrated peaceful protests and openly called for the destruction of Israel. The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) attempted to keep a pro-Palestinian group separate from their demonstrations, but ultimately the police had to intervene and were attacked in the process. The anti-Israel group, “Handala,” joined the DGB demonstration in the afternoon, despite attempts by DGB leaders to remove Palestine flags from the participants.
The DGB wanted to focus their demonstrations on better working conditions, but the anti-Israel group disrupted the message by protesting against the situation in Gaza. When the police stopped the anti-Israel group and warned against using inflammatory language, charges were filed due to the banned slogans. Anti-Semitic chants and slogans were also reported in Berlin and Rostock on May 1st.
In Stuttgart, the demonstration was disbanded due to attacks on police officers. The incidents on Labor Day highlight the importance of advocating for workers’ rights while also addressing and preventing hate speech and discrimination in public demonstrations.