"Even our last name could endanger us," Berlin’s Jews forced to take drastic measures amid rising Anti-Semitism 

The community's monthly newspaper, Jewish Berlin, has begun to abbreviate surnames in its traditionally celebratory “Mazel Tov” section, where birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other milestones are typically announced. This decision, which marks a significant change from the publication's usual practice, comes as a direct response to growing threats of violence against Jews in the German capital.

The move to abbreviate names was explained by the publication’s management as a security precaution in the wake of heightened anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitic incidents following the October 7 Hamas massacre. The Jewish community's spokesperson, Ilan Kiesling, explained that the increasing number of public street demonstrations supporting Hamas has made the Jewish community feel particularly vulnerable. These demonstrations have created an environment where Jews in Berlin are increasingly fearful for their safety, leading to this drastic action to protect individuals' identities.

The situation has drawn national condemnation. Ahmed Mansour, a well-known German expert on radical Islam, described the situation as a "national disgrace." He expressed his deep concern, stating that this is not just a tragedy but a stark failure of society, politics, and those who claim that the Holocaust and its lessons—"never again"—actually mean something. His words reflect the profound shock that many are feeling at how quickly a community that had once felt relatively secure is now forced to conceal its identities for safety.

The decision to abbreviate names is a grim reminder of how easily antisemitism can flourish in societies that seem to have learned the lessons of history. For Berlin’s Jewish community, a city with such a painful past regarding antisemitism, this step underscores the fragility of Jewish security, even in the modern era. It is a sobering reflection of the persistent threat facing Jewish communities worldwide today.