On the cusp of German Unity Day, Berlin’s streets became the stage for a massive outpouring of public sentiment, as around 100,000 people—according to organizers—marched on September 28, 2025, to demand an immediate end to the war in Gaza and to protest Germany’s continued support for Israel. The demonstration, orchestrated by Amnesty International alongside dozens of other organizations, marked the largest rally in Berlin against the Gaza conflict since the war began nearly two years ago. Police, however, offered a more conservative estimate, placing the crowd at approximately 60,000, but even by that count, the protest was a significant moment in Germany’s ongoing debate over its foreign and domestic policies.
The main rally, which wound its way through central Berlin, remained largely peaceful. Demonstrators carried banners calling for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a halt to German arms exports to Israel. The atmosphere was charged but orderly, a reflection of the seriousness with which many Germans view their country’s role in global conflicts. However, the day was not without tension: police shut down a smaller, parallel protest, citing illegal activity, though details remained scant.
This protest was not an isolated event. In fact, it was part of a broader wave of peace demonstrations planned for the weekend. On September 29, a coalition of more than 400 organizations prepared to take to the streets in both Berlin and Stuttgart under the resounding motto, “Never again fit for war! Let’s stand up for peace!” This slogan, echoing through the city, captured the anti-militarist sentiment at the heart of these gatherings. The timing was deliberate: the rallies were scheduled to coincide with the 35th anniversary of German reunification—German Unity Day—a national holiday that invites reflection on the country’s past, present, and future.
Organizers of the demonstrations were clear about their demands. They called for immediate negotiations to end ongoing conflicts, especially in Gaza, and sharply criticized the German government’s debate over the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. This issue has become increasingly contentious in recent months, as policymakers weigh national security concerns against the country’s historical commitment to peace and demilitarization.
Ralf Stegner, a veteran left-wing lawmaker who has long been vocal on issues of war and peace, delivered a pointed rebuke of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. “Nothing in the fight against terrorism justifies starving children, keeping medicines away or bombing civilian areas,” Stegner said, according to reporting from several German outlets. His words resonated with many in the crowd, who see the conflict as a test of Germany’s moral and political values.
Bishop Margot Käßmann of Hanover, a respected voice in German civil society, also weighed in on the significance of the demonstrations. “I think this reflects something of the concern of many people ... who are very worried about the development, about these billions that are being spent on armaments,” Käßmann remarked, highlighting the unprecedented unity among more than 400 groups for the upcoming peace rallies. Her comments underscored a growing unease in Germany about the direction of government spending and priorities.
The alliance behind the demonstrations did not limit its criticism to foreign policy. Organizers and participants alike voiced strong opposition to what they see as the creeping militarization of German society. They condemned not only the potential return of compulsory military service but also the increasing presence of military themes in education, universities, and even health care. For many, these trends represent a step backward, away from the lessons of Germany’s turbulent history.
Beyond militarization, the alliance took aim at recent cutbacks in social welfare, climate action, and development aid—areas that have seen budgets slashed to make room for greater military spending. This, they argue, is a dangerous trade-off that undermines the country’s social fabric and its commitments to global development and environmental protection. The protests thus became a rallying point for a wide spectrum of concerns, from peace in the Middle East to the future of German society itself.
The scale and diversity of the protests surprised even seasoned observers. More than 400 organizations, ranging from human rights groups to faith communities, labor unions, and environmental advocates, joined forces in a show of unity rarely seen in recent German history. “It’s remarkable to see so many different groups come together,” Käßmann observed, reflecting a sentiment shared by many participants who believe the stakes are simply too high for division.
The debate over Germany’s military policy is hardly new, but recent events have given it renewed urgency. The planned reintroduction of compulsory military service, which was suspended in 2011, has sparked heated debate in parliament and among the public. Proponents argue that a return to conscription is necessary to bolster national defense in an increasingly uncertain world. Opponents, however, warn that such a move would reverse decades of progress toward a more peaceful, civilian-oriented society.
At the heart of the protests, though, was the war in Gaza—a conflict that has polarized opinion both in Germany and abroad. Demonstrators demanded not only a ceasefire but also unrestricted humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilian population, which has suffered immensely since the outbreak of hostilities. The call to end German arms exports to Israel was particularly controversial, reflecting a deep divide over how best to balance historical responsibility, security concerns, and human rights.
Despite the peaceful nature of the main rally, authorities remained on high alert. The decision to shut down a smaller protest on grounds of illegal activity served as a reminder of the challenges involved in managing such large-scale public gatherings—especially on issues as charged as war and peace. Still, the overwhelming majority of demonstrators were determined to keep their protest peaceful and focused on their core demands.
As Germany marked 35 years of national unity, the message from Berlin’s streets was clear: a significant portion of the population is deeply uneasy about the country’s current trajectory. Whether their voices will translate into policy change remains to be seen, but for now, the sheer scale and passion of the demonstrations have forced a national reckoning with questions that go to the heart of Germany’s identity and its role in the world.
With banners raised high and voices united, Berlin’s demonstrators offered a vivid reminder that, even decades after reunification, the debate over war, peace, and Germany’s responsibilities—both at home and abroad—remains as urgent as ever.
