Berlin Left Party faces fresh scandal over Gaza family’s anti-Israel activism at campaign events
Two members of the Barbakh clan from Gaza attended a Berlin Left Party rally, prompting criticism over the party’s ties to militant pro-Palestinian activists.
At a recent Berlin Left Party election rally, two men linked to the Barbakh clan - a large Gaza-origin family active in militant Palestinian advocacy - were photographed interacting with party officials. The clan, which maintains a substantial online following and has been involved in numerous police incidents, had already drawn scrutiny after the presence of Issa Remmo and Hamas-affiliated activist Ibrahim Ibrahim at earlier events.
During the rally, the Barbakh members filmed and interviewed prominent Left politicians, including district mayor candidate Amed Abed and district council chair Jolinde Schulz, as well as Ibrahim Ibrahim himself. Police union chief Stephan Weh publicly denounced the party’s proximity to what he described as “criminals and terror supporters.” The controversy compounds recent scandals surrounding the party’s ties to other Palestinian families and its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, raising questions about its vetting processes and political alliances.
Why it matters
The incident highlights concerns about extremist influences within mainstream political parties and their impact on public trust.
How this story developed
- Sep 21 Elif Eralp emerges as Die Linke's high-profile mayoral candidate in Berlin
- Sep 21 The Greens announced they will seek a red‑green‑red coalition with the Left and SPD.
- Sep 21 Bundestag member Ferat Koçak said he communicated with Firas Remmo like any other Neukölln resident and was unaware of Remmo’s alleged criminal ties at the time.
- Sep 23 SPD and Greens require Die Linke to demonstrate anti‑antisemitism safeguards before coalition talks can proceed.
- Sep 24 Koçak announced a temporary pause from his interior‑committee duties.
- Sep 24 The Israeli ambassador warned of an “immediate existential threat” to Berlin’s Jewish community over alleged antisemitism in the party.
- Sep 27 SPD and Greens issued a joint warning demanding Die Linke reject antisemitism and clan crime before coalition talks proceed.
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