Together against anti-Semitism: Rally in Dortmund on October 9th

Together against anti-Semitism: Rally in Dortmund on October 9th

October 7, 2023 marked a dark day in the history of the anti-Semitism debate in Germany, when a devastating terrorist attack by Hamas was carried out on Israel. Over 1,200 people lost their lives that day. Two years later, the situation remains worrying: anti-Semitism remains at a high level in Germany, as current reports show. In particular, the federal association RIAS has documented the development of anti-Semitic attitudes and their devastating consequences in its publication “Political Anti-Semitism since October 7th”. This is just part of the reality that Germany has had to deal with since that fateful day.

The members of the Network Against Anti-Semitism in Dortmund, who are planning a memorial rally for October 9, 2025, are sending a concrete signal against this threatening reality. Under the motto “Together against anti-Semitism – We remember the victims of anti-Semitic violence in Israel and Halle” the focus is on commemorating two tragic events: the anti-Semitic attack in Halle in 2019 and the terrorist attacks by Hamas. Prominent speakers such as Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, the anti-Semitism commissioner for North Rhine-Westphalia, and Zwi Rappoport, the chairman of the Jewish Community of Dortmund, will have their say at the rally.

A rise in anti-Semitic incidents

The situation has changed alarmingly. Between October 7, 2023 and the end of 2024, RIAS recorded a total of 2,225 meetings with anti-Semitic content - a number that is shockingly high compared to the 1,636 meetings between 2020 and October 6, 2023. This development is described as “oppressive normality”. It is noteworthy that 89 percent of these incidents involved Israel-related anti-Semitism, including calls for the destruction of Israel and support for violence against Jews. This was particularly evident in 32 cities where Jewish communities were directly attacked through threatening calls and graffiti.

A worrying trend is also evident at universities: the pressure on students and teachers is growing, and the demand for protection and de-escalation concepts is becoming louder. The need for advice and support for those affected by anti-Semitism, especially in schools, is also constantly growing. These alarming developments make it clear why the upcoming rally in Dortmund is even more important, not only to commemorate the victims, but also to send a strong signal against hatred and discrimination.

A call for solidarity

In the words of Micha Neumann, the coordinator of the Network against Anti-Semitism in Dortmund, the upcoming rally is counteracted by the urgent need to take a clear position against anti-Semitic violence. “We must appear together and send a signal of solidarity with Jews,” emphasizes Neumann. The event takes place out of respect for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and is an essential part of the commitment of the 25 organizations that have come together in the network since 2018 to decisively combat anti-Semitism.

The demands on society are clear: we must face the challenges of anti-Semitism and take active action against violence and discrimination. With the memorial rally on October 9, 2025, the organizers want to send a strong signal and remind us that the fight against hatred and intolerance is far from being won.

Further details on the anti-Semitism situation in Germany and the planned events can be found in the reports from Nordstadtblogger and daily news.