Jewish Council warns of heightened antisemitic risk at Halloween protests in Germany

In a confidential document, the Central Council of Jews in Germany cautioned that the Halloween-weekend protests could evolve into antisemitic attacks, describing the situation as an “elevated risk.” The council points to the violent tone of pre-demonstration slogans, including words like “Purge” and “No rules,” and warns that these gatherings differ from commercial Halloween events. It highlights suspected connections between pro-Palestinian actors in Germany and criminal groups operating in France, referencing assessments from the French Jewish security service (SPCJ).

Although the SPCJ notes that recent French riots did not primarily target Jewish sites, the council stresses a significant danger due to the mix of general violence, extremist infiltration, and criminal ties. German authorities also label the threat as serious, prompting the council to recommend that Jewish events liaise with state security or the nearest police station, deploy appropriate security staff, and avoid large crowds where possible.