Haaretz: Berlin Protesters Demonstrate Against Israeli Products

Berlin Protesters Demonstrate Against Israeli Products

By Assaf Uni , Haarerz Correspondent

BERLIN – The opening of “Israel Week” at the Galeria Kaufhof department store in Berlin spurred a demonstration Saturday against Israeli food products originating in the
territories.

Protesters held signs reading “No to settlement products” and “Stop the Israel-EU Association Agreement.”

Groups protesting included The Jewish Voice, a Jewish-German organization opposed to the occupation, and Solidarity with Palestine, German teenagers affiliated with the radical left.

A counter-group of pro-Israel radical leftists waved Israeli flags and ate Israeli food.

“We have to encourage the Germans to be more critical of the Israeli occupation,” said Ruth Fructman, a Berlin journalist who was demonstrating.

“Right now it’s still hard for them, especially because every time they criticize Israel, they’re accused of anti-Semitism,” she said.

Martin Vorberg, of the Middle Eastern Workgroup, said the demonstration was aimed at Osem Industries, which he said has a factory in the territories, and spices from Amnon and Tamar, a company located in Alfei Menashe.