A pro-Israel silent walk is scheduled to take place in Bern this Wednesday evening. Organizers aim to send a clear message against antisemitism and support Israel's right to exist. This event follows similar demonstrations in other Swiss cities that have previously led to confrontations.
Key Takeaways
- A silent walk supporting Israel and opposing antisemitism is planned for Bern.
- Similar events in other Swiss cities have faced counter-protests and security concerns.
- Bernese authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for potential security needs.
Bern Prepares for Pro-Israel Demonstration
The organization Silent Walk Switzerland announced the upcoming demonstration. It will move through the city's old town streets. The event is officially permitted and is set to begin in the early evening at Waisenhausplatz.
Organizers state their purpose is to 'set a sign for Israel and against antisemitism.' Silent walks have become a regular occurrence in major Swiss cities. These events typically draw support from various institutions.
Background on Silent Walks
Silent Walks are demonstrations where participants march without speaking, often to emphasize the seriousness of their message. They are designed to be peaceful, but their topics can sometimes draw strong reactions from opposing groups.
Groups like the Society Switzerland-Israel (GSI), the NGO Never Again Is Now, and the Women's International Zionist Organisation support these marches. Their involvement highlights the broad base of support for the event's stated goals.
Security Measures and Potential for Conflict
The Bern municipal police confirm the walk is authorized. As of Monday, authorities had no knowledge of any planned counter-demonstrations. Therefore, no counter-protests have been approved.
The Bern Cantonal Police are actively monitoring the situation. They state they are 'continuously observing and assessing the situation.' Additional security measures will be implemented if necessary, though specific details about police deployment numbers were not released.
"We are continuously observing and assessing the situation. Where necessary, additional security measures will be taken."
Past Controversies in Other Cities
The backdrop for this Bern event includes past controversies surrounding similar silent walks. Last year, several marches in other Swiss cities saw significant tensions and even violence.
In September, a silent walk in Lausanne involving 200 participants faced a much larger group of pro-Palestinian counter-demonstrators, estimated at ten times the number. Police intervened to prevent direct conflict. They used water cannons and tear gas against the unauthorized counter-protest.
Fact: Lausanne Incident
- Date: September last year
- Silent Walk Participants: 200
- Counter-Demonstrators: Approximately 2,000
- Police Action: Water cannons, tear gas against unauthorized counter-protest
A month later, a planned march in Geneva was postponed due to safety concerns. These incidents underscore the potential for unrest when such sensitive topics are publicly demonstrated.
Social Media and Organizational Distancing
Following a silent walk in Zurich, which was also protected by police, controversial posts appeared on the official Facebook and Instagram channels of the GSI. These posts included photos with the hashtag "Zionism" and phrases like: "May 'Palestinianness' soon be a thing of the past."
These statements drew sharp criticism from prominent Jewish organizations. The leadership of the GSI publicly distanced itself from the authors of the posts. This highlights internal disagreements and the challenge of controlling messaging in large organizations.
"The content neither corresponded nor corresponds in any way to the positions of the GSI."
Mr. Blum's statement confirmed that the controversial content did not reflect the official stance of the organization. This quick disavowal aimed to mitigate the damage caused by the divisive comments.
Participation and Broader Appeals
As of Monday afternoon, around 100 individuals had indicated their participation in the Bern Silent Walk on LinkedIn. This number suggests a modest but committed turnout for the event.
Notably, members of the Iranian diaspora also plan to join the Bern demonstration. They have issued a separate appeal for peace in the Middle East and resistance against the current government in Tehran. Their call to action features the old flag from the time of the Shah of Persia, symbolizing a desire for different leadership.
This participation from the Iranian diaspora adds another layer of international perspective to the Bern event. It connects the local demonstration to broader global political and social movements.
Why the Silent Walk Matters
These silent walks, while ostensibly peaceful, serve as a focal point for strong emotions and differing viewpoints on complex international issues. The decision by Bernese authorities to permit the walk, coupled with their readiness for security measures, reflects the delicate balance between freedom of expression and public safety.
The event in Bern will be closely watched. Its outcome could influence how similar demonstrations are managed in Switzerland in the future. The city's ability to host such an event peacefully is a test for local authorities and participating groups alike.