Pro-Palestinian activists once again engaged in protests at the Alice Salomon Hochschule (ASH) in Berlin-Hellersdorf, taking over spaces on Tuesday morning as part of their growing dissatisfaction over the Middle East conflict. Reports indicate this blockade will be tolerated by university authorities until the end of the week. The police have arrested six individuals and are investigating them for alleged assault against law enforcement officers, defamation, resistance, and attempted prisoner liberation.
The president of ASH, Prof. Dr. Bettina Völter, attempted to prevent police intervention during the protest, engaging fervently with officers at the scene. Video footage circulating on X shows Völter insisting, “We do not need you. I am terribly sorry, we do not need you.” Her stance has since become the focal point of backlash from officials, particularly following the claim made by her amid tensions with demonstrators.
During the blockade of the university's Audimax, which began around midday with approximately 60 to 80 participants, slogans like “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were prominent. While the police reported the maximum attendance was around 50, Völter's response to the protestors has drawn heavy criticism, with some calling her approach concerning.
Following the end of the blockade late Monday evening, the activists vacated the premises voluntarily after negotiations with Völter, who promised them another meeting on Tuesday. Despite the peaceful conclusion, significant tension loomed, particularly surrounding the remarks made about the police's presence, which Völter described as threatening.
The reactions from local political figures have been swift. Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner of the CDU, criticized Völter’s conduct, stating, “It is absolutely incomprehensible for the president of a university to see the police as a threat instead of the masked and violent anti-Semites occupying her university.” Wegner asserted his unwavering support for the police, acknowledging their rightful role amid the protests.
Notably, the situation on campus was tense, as reports surfaced claiming antisemitic sentiments and adjectives of violence were present among the activist rhetoric. An image even showed Alice Salomon's bust—named after the Jewish social reformer and feminist—covered with Palestinian scarves. The incident triggered expressions of outrage from various sectors, with historical grievances resurfacing amid the conversations surrounding the protest.
Völter's inability to assert her university's house right amid the protest was condemned. Politicians questioned why she seemed to prioritize dialogue with demonstrators over maintaining decorum and safety on campus. Statements from members of the Berliner SPD issued strong warnings about the presence of anti-Semitic violence under the guise of academic dialogue.
Commentators continued to express concerns over university spaces becoming venues for extremist displays. The tension between differing perspectives on the situation has remained prominent; Völter insisted on her university being open to discussions about the suffering of Palestinian civilians, yet this seemed to undermine the serious calls against antisemitism highlighted by others.
Protests are scheduled to continue throughout the week, with activists planning multiple gatherings within the Audimax. The ASH issued statements professing their position against antisemitism, affirming the need for constructive dialogue, yet they simultaneously acknowledged the suffering of the Palestinian populace.
Following the previous disturbances, police stationed additional officers on site, prepared for any escalation. The school's position reflects the struggle to balance advocacy, education, and safety, drawing glaring attention from both political and social spheres.
The emotional conversations surrounding the situation have led to accusations against the administration of allowing the mishandling of the protests. Support for Völter remained divided; the university's backers praised her attempts at peaceful resolution, whereas critics noted her failure to protect students from hate-filled ideologies.
With the political climate still charged, it remains to be seen how ASH will navigate the aftermath of these deeply polarizing events, and whether they can maintain their commitment to fostering democratic conversations free of violence.
This complex case highlights the heightened tensions surrounding discussions on Middle East politics within academic institutions, emphasizing the responsibility schools have to maintain safe and inclusive environments amid strident protests.