Controversy erupts over Hamas-linked stalls at Darmstadt market
The traditional Christmas market in Darmstadt, Germany, has stirred public opinion after products associated with the Hamas symbol and slogans calling for the delegitimisation of Israel were discovered at one of the stalls. This scandal has provoked strong reactions from city authorities, Jewish organisations, and the Protestant Church.
At the "Anti-Colonial Peaceful Christmas Market", co-organised by the Protestant St. Michael's community and the group "Darmstadt4Palestine", products were displayed that sparked serious controversy.
Symbols of Hamas, maps of the Middle East excluding the State of Israel, and slogans such as "From the river to the sea" were seen at the stalls. Photos shared online clearly indicated the anti-Semitic nature of these contents.
Cookies disparaging Jews, ‘terrorist' souvenirs, and Hamas propaganda – all at a Christmas market of the Protestant community in Hesse! – summarised one of the comments.
Reactions of the Church and authorities
The Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) immediately condemned the actions of its community in Darmstadt. The pastor responsible for the parish, Manfred Werner, was suspended and will not conduct Christmas services.
Reports and images reaching us regarding the Christmas market organised by the Michaelsgemeinde on the 3rd Sunday of Advent are deeply disturbing, stated in EKHN's statement.
The mayor of Darmstadt, Hanno Benz, also expressed his outrage.
An attempt is being made to delegitimise Israel's right to exist and to demonise the State of Israel by transferring anti-Semitic stereotypes onto the State of Israel and its policy.
Criminal charges and investigation
Three reports have been submitted to the prosecutor's office regarding the use of terrorist symbols and incitement to hatred. Senior prosecutor Robert Hartmann confirmed that an investigation is underway.
We are checking whether a crime has been committed. No suspects have been registered yet.
Daniel Neumann, a representative of the Jewish Community in Darmstadt, emphasised the significance of the situation.
The fact that the Protestant Church community either naively accepts this or does it maliciously is a scandal.
Attempts at explanation and responsibility
Pastor Werner admitted that the decision to cooperate with the group "Darmstadt4Palestine" was a mistake.
It was a huge folly to trust the preparatory group. I am deeply disappointed by the abuse of the community's trust.
He also declared full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. However, a parish representative, Detlef Baumann-Schiechel, spoke of "false reports" and promised detailed explanations.
Smoke screen under the guise of charity
Under the guise of helping Palestinians, the market aimed to raise funds for solidarity causes. However, the slogans and products presented at the stalls raised suspicions of anti-Semitism and the promotion of organisations considered terrorist.
The organisers distanced themselves from the content promoted by the exhibitors, but the controversy surrounding the event is not dying down. The website promoting the event has been removed.
The issue of anti-Semitism in Churches
Volker Beck, chairman of the German-Israeli Society, noted: "Antijudaism is still a problem in churches. It often appears during Christmas."
The current scandal raises questions about how religious communities monitor actions taken on their behalf and on their premises. The market in Darmstadt is an example of how the irresponsibility of organisers can lead to serious legal and ethical consequences.
