Berlin's police chief Barbara Slowik has issued a stark warning to Jewish and LGBTQ+ residents, advising them to avoid neighborhoods with high concentrations of Arab residents who "sympathize with terror organizations," German newspaper Bild reports.
"I would advise people wearing kippas or openly identifying as gay or lesbian to be more vigilant in certain areas," Slowik told Berliner Zeitung. "Sadly, there are neighborhoods where the majority population is of Arab origin and sympathetic to terror organizations. Open antisemitism is expressed there against people of Jewish faith and origin."
Since October 7, German police have opened over 6,200 investigations into antisemitism and incitement. While Slowik noted that violent attacks remain relatively rare, "every attack is one too many. I understand why fear and concern persist."
The warning comes months after Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced increased border controls to address immigration concerns.
"We're not trying to defame any group," Slowik emphasized, "but we must be honest about the situation."
Channel 14 contributed to this article.