Frankfurt: Pro-Palestinian demonstration United4Gaza can finally start!

Frankfurt: Pro-Palestinian demonstration United4Gaza can finally start!

On August 29, 2025, the Hessian Administrative Court (VGH) in Kassel will make a surprising decision: The pro-Palestinian demonstration under the motto “United4Gaza – Stop the genocide now!” is allowed to take place on August 30th in Frankfurt, despite previous concerns from the authorities. They initially banned a gathering after there were indications of possible anti-Semitic statements and violations of third-party rights. Annette Rinn, head of the department for security and order, expressed disappointment with the VGH's decision and described the ban as “unavoidable” in order to prevent a potentially dangerous gathering.

The VGH's decision is clear: the protest can now actually take place. The assembly authority had issued a ban based on a police threat forecast, but this was rejected by the Frankfurt Administrative Court. According to this ruling, state authorities are not allowed to judge protected opinions, which provided the VGH with the basis for its decision. The danger forecast could not stand up to the city's arguments that there could be “incitement against the state of Israel”. Therefore, around 5,000 participants are expected, although a higher number is not ruled out.

Planned route and safety measures

The event takes place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and runs through the Frankfurt city area: The demonstration starts in the Hafenpark and ends at Goetheplatz with a final rally. In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, the Frankfurt police will be intensively present, especially to respond to possible anti-Semitic statements or other criminal acts. There are also a number of requirements to be observed: Speeches must maintain public peace, and any incitement to hatred or violence is strictly prohibited.

During the demonstration, the police will ensure that important memorials and Jewish institutions are not moved close to the route in order to avoid tensions. These security precautions are particularly relevant as similar demonstrations in other cities, such as Berlin, have resulted in riots and anti-Semitic disruptions in the past. A year ago, an anti-Israel demonstration in Kreuzberg resulted in serious riots and aggression that caused an international stir.

Traffic disruptions and parallel events

Another point that is likely to affect the city center on Saturday is the Museum Embankment Festival, which is taking place at the same time. This major event could result in massive traffic disruptions and delightful Charlottenburg traffic jams. The police recommend that road users leave their cars at home and instead switch to alternative means of transport in order to avoid the chaos. Because both the demonstration and the festival together could create a significant challenge for Frankfurt's city center.

The clash of different opinions in the city is watched with excitement. It remains to be seen how those involved will react and whether there will be peaceful conflicts. The fact is: peaceful exchange is the common goal, even if the mood in society is often tense.

For more information follow these links: rheinmainverlag.de, hessenschau.de, berliner-zeitung.de.