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Anti-Semitism in Munich: Jewish life between fear and resistance
On October 6, 2025, thousands gathered on Königsplatz in Munich against anti-Semitism and in support of Jewish security.
Anti-Semitism in Munich: Jewish life between fear and resistance
In Munich, hostility against the Jewish community has escalated dramatically since Hamas' shocking terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. 43-year-old Bianca, a Jewish woman from the city, describes her personal experiences with growing anti-Semitism, which is clearly evident in her everyday life. Her daughter was called a “child murderer” at school, and her neighbors haven’t exactly covered themselves in fame either. For example, “Dirty Jew” was one of the insults Bianca had to endure. Her father no longer dares to go to synagogue with his kippah on for fear of attacks. These are not isolated cases, as the terrorist attack resulted in over 1,100 deaths and 251 kidnappings in Israel and has led to an alarming rise in anti-Semitism in Germany. The reactions in this country are affected accordingly.
On Sunday, a rally under the motto “Roof against hate” took place on Königsplatz in Munich. Loud World Around 1,500 people took part in the event to take a stand against hatred of Jews. This was supported by a large number of organizations that have come together to form a strong network: The “Roof Against Hate” alliance includes over 200 groups from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Political support
Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) and Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, took over the patronage of the rally. In his words, Söder emphasized the need to support Jewish life in Bavaria and pointed out the worrying development of anti-Semitism. Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer also commented and warned of a growing trend towards the exclusion of Jewish cultural workers. In order to send a clear signal, the organizers called for the release of all hostages by Hamas and a decisive stance against anti-Semitism in Europe.
The Jewish community in Germany is on alert. The President of the Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, reported a dramatic increase in hostility and attacks against Jews since October 7, 2023. According to Deutschlandfunk Anti-Semitic incidents have increased significantly since then, with 8,627 incidents documented in 2024 - an increase of almost 77 percent compared to the previous year. This development shows that anti-Semitism continues to be a significant problem in Germany and especially in Bavaria.
Necessary measures
To counter anti-Semitism, various initiatives have been launched. Guy Katz, an economist from Munich, has developed a five-point plan against anti-Semitism that is being discussed publicly. It emphasizes that anti-Semitism is an everyday phenomenon and that Jews are increasingly withdrawing from public life. This can be seen as a direct result of the threats and hostility in society.
The anti-discrimination commissioner Ferda Ataman has also called for anti-discrimination law to be tightened. It expresses the urgency that more protection must be created for Jews in order to reduce discrimination and prejudice. Historian Peter Longerich emphasizes that anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in Germany and continues to cause significant social problems.
In the midst of this tense situation, there remains hope that the mobilization of many people and organizations together against hatred will send a positive signal and have a lasting impact on the social mood. A strong, united stance is essential to confront anti-Semitism and promote an inclusive society.