Approximately 12,000 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on September 13, 2025, to protest Germany's participation in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – For Reason and Justice (BSW) organized the demonstration, calling for an end to hostilities and a greater emphasis on diplomatic solutions.
Protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags, voiced their opposition to violence in the Gaza Strip. BSW co-founder Sahra Wagenknecht addressed the crowd, condemning all forms of violence and urging the German government to actively pursue peaceful conflict resolution and engage in global peace negotiations. The event featured support from public figures, including actor Dieter Hallervorden and historian Moshe Zuckermann, who has been critical of actions in Gaza. Pink Floyd's Roger Waters also sent a video message supporting the peace calls.
Organizers specifically called for Germany to cease arms supplies to conflict zones and to prioritize diplomatic efforts. This sentiment aligns with public opinion, as polls suggest a significant portion of the German population believes the country has contributed enough to the Ukraine conflict and desires diplomatic resolutions.
The BSW party, characterized as left-wing with populist and nationalist leanings, has been critical of Germany's support for Ukraine and its approach to the Gaza conflict, advocating for reduced arms exports and a focus on negotiation. The protest also highlighted the historical context of Germany's foreign policy, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz's August 2025 announcement of a partial halt to arms supplies to Israel, which had already initiated public debate.
The demonstration reflects ongoing public unease with Germany's international role, particularly in light of the escalating Middle East conflict following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The widespread public reaction and calls for peace from the rally are further contextualized by a sentiment that Germany has sufficiently supported Ukraine, coupled with a historical aversion to military intervention stemming from World War II, contributing to a growing public questioning of current foreign policy engagements.