Two years after the Hamas attack: memorial events in BW!

Two years after the Hamas attack: memorial events in BW!

On October 7, 2025, many people in Germany will commemorate the terrible events that were triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. This day, which resulted in numerous commemorative events and rallies, not only remains in the minds of Israelis, but has also left its mark on Germany.

Numerous activities are taking place today in various cities in Baden-Württemberg. In Mannheim, for example, a vigil is planned that will be organized by the German-Israeli Society in collaboration with Christian groups. The motto of this vigil is: “Never again is now.” Here, where over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place last year, there is also a strong police presence on site to ensure security. Despite the approved events, the mood in many places is perceived as anti-Israel, especially given the Israeli military's crackdown in the Gaza Strip.

Commemorative events throughout Germany

In addition to Mannheim, the “Run for Their Lives” event will also be held in Heidelberg on Tuesday afternoon, where around 100 people came together to commemorate the victims and plead for the release of the hostages. Michael Blume, the anti-Semitism commissioner for Baden-Württemberg, visited the Jewish community in Mannheim for a lunchtime prayer and a meeting in the sukkah. A week of action against anti-Semitism is being held in Freiburg, which includes a variety of lectures and readings.

Various rallies are also planned for this day in Schleswig-Holstein. In Kiel, for example, the Alliance Against Anti-Semitism organized a vigil, with pro-Palestinian demonstrations canceled for public safety reasons. In Lübeck and Flensburg, people also took to the streets to remember the victims of the Hamas attack. The national flag of Israel flies on the official buildings of the country's highest authorities, a gesture initiated by Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack.

Protests and demonstrations

However, the commemorations are not without controversy. In Berlin, for example, a pro-Palestinian demonstration caused increased tensions and was monitored by the police. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced tough action against anti-Semitism after unrest broke out there. Similar protests also took place in Munich and Düsseldorf, where “Run for their lives” plays an important role. In Munich, more than 8,000 people took part in a memorial event, while a counter-demonstration with around 1,200 people carried the slogan “365 days of genocide”.

In Mannheim, a pro-Palestinian vigil is also being organized by the group “Zaytouna.rnk”, which is being monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Several vigils are taking place in the Tübingen district in honor of the victims. Today's events are not only a sign of remembrance, but also an expression of the complex social and political attitudes that are still highly polarized among the population today.

With the vigils, rallies and the commemoration of the brutally killed and kidnapped people, a strong need for peace and respectful coexistence is manifested, which is urgently needed in these difficult times. The memory of the events of October 7, 2023 remains alive and should continue to be an impetus to fight for coexistence in the future.

For those interested in today's commemoration events and demonstrations, report SWR that a rally will take place in Konstanz to honor the victims of Hamas terror, which will also include musical contributions and speeches from relatives of the hostages. Such morning and evening events demonstrate people's need to come together and express their grief.

Reporting on these events can also be done on NDR and ZDF are pursued that consider all aspects and perspectives associated with the anniversary.