Extremism in Germany: Tensions Rise in Migrant Communities

Tensions are escalating in Germany’s migrant communities following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the wake of these events, public reactions in Berlin revealed underlying issues of extremism and anti-Semitism within certain groups. Güner Balci, a journalist and integration officer in the Neukölln district, expressed her alarm at public celebrations in the capital, where young men shouted anti-Semitic slogans and distributed sweets to commemorate what they termed a “victory of the resistance.”

Balci, who has deep roots in Neukölln, where she was born to Turkish parents in 1975, took to national television to voice her concerns. She highlighted how some young people openly supported the violence perpetrated by Hamas, stating, “You see it when young people interviewed on the Sonnenallee make no secret about how they find it right that Hamas slaughtered those people.” Her comments ignited a firestorm in the community, leading her to initiate a civil society declaration condemning both the terrorist attacks and the exploitation of these events to deepen societal divisions.

The situation reached a point where police officers were stationed at Balci’s recent book reading in Neukölln, reflecting the tensions surrounding her outspoken views. Her memoir, Heimatland (Homeland), delves into her personal history and the changing dynamics of her neighborhood, a place she recalls fondly from her youth. Balci described her upbringing in a modest two-room apartment and the influence of the progressive MaDonna girls’ club, which inspired her aspirations for a free life.

As Balci recounts her transition from a carefree childhood to the challenges faced by her community, she notes a significant shift in Neukölln due to a wave of migration that began in the 1980s. This influx, primarily from Lebanon, introduced new patriarchal structures that have had lasting impacts on families and social norms. She witnessed firsthand the troubling effects of these dynamics, including instances of forced marriages and “honour killings.”

Balci argues that a troubling common denominator in the challenges facing migrant communities is a broader German society that often views these groups through a lens of “racism of low expectations.” She critiques the complacency among some politicians and citizens, who, in her view, fail to recognize the dangers posed by strict patriarchal structures disguised as cultural beliefs.

Despite facing criticism for her views, Balci stands by her observations, emphasizing her role as a migrant officer in Neukölln. She articulates a concern that the leniency shown towards problematic groups can create an environment conducive to the rise of far-right political movements. “A free democratic society is the best thing that we have, the best thing in the world, and it’s something no one should give away easily,” she cautioned. “But our tolerance could yet be our downfall.”

Balci’s experiences and insights serve as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between migration, integration, and societal values in contemporary Germany. The ongoing discourse surrounding these issues highlights the urgent need for dialogue and understanding in a country grappling with the consequences of its multicultural policies.