Berlin Police Chief Advises Jews and Homosexuals to Be Careful in 'Certain Neighborhoods' Populated by 'Majority People of Arab Origin'

Barbara Slowik, Berlin’s police chief, has issued a statement likely to stir controversy, advising Jews and homosexuals to exercise caution in specific neighborhoods of the German capital. Her comments, made during an interview with the Berliner Zeitung, have sparked debate about the state of public safety in Berlin.

When asked whether Berlin has “no-go areas,” Slowik appeared hesitant to directly acknowledge the reality, opting instead for a watered-down response that effectively confirmed the issue without explicitly saying so. She stated, “Basically, no. However, there are areas—and we must be honest about this—where I would advise people wearing a kippah or openly identifying as gay or lesbian to be more careful. In many metropolises, vigilance is necessary in certain public places to protect oneself from delinquency.”

Acknowledging Risks in Certain Areas

When questioned about potential threats to Jews in Berlin, Slowik was cautious in her phrasing but pointed to a concerning pattern: “I will not defame any group of people here. Unfortunately, there are neighborhoods with a majority of residents of Arab origin who also harbor sympathy for terrorist groups. Open anti-Semitism is expressed there against individuals of Jewish faith and origin.”

Rising Incidents Since October 7

The police chief noted a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas Islamic terrorist attack on Israel. More than 6,200 investigations related to antisemitism have been initiated since then. These cases involve threatening social media messages, acts of vandalism, and violent confrontations during pro-Palestine/Hamas demonstrations.

While Slowik asserted that ‘each crime is undoubtedly one too many’ and claimed that violent crimes against Jews are rare, the reality paints a different picture. Berlin has witnessed a series of alarming incidents, including the February assault of a Jewish student by a pro-Palestinian peer and a Molotov cocktail attack on a synagogue following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. These are not isolated cases but part of a broader, troubling pattern that undermines her claim.

Controversy Across the Rhine

Slowik’s comments are expected to ignite a broader conversation about safety in Berlin’s neighborhoods and the social dynamics at play. Her admission reflects growing concerns about the safety of marginalized non-Islamic groups amid the Islamization of Germany.