Today, nearly sixteen months since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, the Israeli flag continues its prominent display atop Munich's city hall. "Following Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, we made the decision to raise the Israeli flag on city hall. While we cannot fully comprehend the experiences of people in Israel, we strive to understand, listen, and demonstrate our solidarity," explains Dominik Krause, Munich's "second mayor" from the Green Party, a position comparable to deputy mayor. "Munich demonstrates unwavering solidarity with the State of Israel and its citizens. Our city's public stance and support for Israel communicates a crucial message both to our residents and to national political figures," Krause emphasizes.
The support from Bavaria's capital, among Germany's most significant cities, extends beyond mere declarations. The municipality actively promotes Israel-supporting events and has strengthened cooperation with Israel and its twin city Beersheba. Krause, instrumental in establishing the twin cities agreement between Munich and Beersheba, advocated for reinforcing Israeli connections despite the ongoing Swords of Iron War.
The city hall committed funds to a Beersheba hospital, enhanced support for Israeli cultural and artistic performances, and dispatched a delegation to strengthen ties specifically during the conflict. "We see this not as a conflict between equals, but as one between a democratic, liberal state – even if we disagree with certain government policies, we share fundamental values driving our societies forward – and a terrorist organization spreading death and destruction. Our position is unequivocal: we stand with Israel," Krause affirms.
A routine of support for Israel
While acknowledging the anti-Israel demonstrations that persist in the city, the attempted attack on the consulate by an Austrian citizen of Muslim origin, and campus demonstrations following Oct. 7, Krause maintains perspective.
"Media coverage sometimes highlights anti-Israel demonstrations where Israeli flags were burned, and we're aware of other violent incidents. We take these events with utmost seriousness. However, this isn't representative of our city's daily life – the vast majority of Munich's residents stand apart from such actions. Working alongside local police, the Bavarian state, and pro-Israel civil society organizations, we implement comprehensive measures to prevent antisemitism and hate crimes against Israelis and Jews.
"I want to extend a message to Israelis: you are always welcome in our city, and ensuring your safety and comfort remains our priority," Krause emphasizes.
The security commitment from local forces and political leadership resonates throughout the community. Since Oct. 7, weekly pro-Israel marches take place with broad support from Bavarian political entities and security forces. While anti-Israel protests make headlines elsewhere, Munich consistently draws hundreds to thousands of supporters weekly, predominantly non-Jewish participants.
Running for the hostages
"Munich hosts a weekly Sunday march for the hostages, part of an international initiative comprising 230 walking groups worldwide, primarily in the United States. Our group has grown to over 1,000 members, making it the world's largest by participation," explains Guy Katz (42), a business administration professor at a Munich university and a leading Israeli academic promoting pro-Israel initiatives in academia.
Munich's landmark event commemorating Oct. 7's first anniversary drew 10,000 participants advocating for the hostages' release. "We organized the event under an anti-antisemitism banner after months of preparation," Katz recounts. "We engaged city churches, Bayern Munich, labor unions, political parties across the spectrum excluding extremists, the embassy, and Bavaria's prime minister – achieving unprecedented unity. Even Munich's Jewish community bridged denominational differences to participate.
"We coordinated with local politicians to produce a unified anti-antisemitism statement, bringing political rivals together on one platform to address this crucial issue and emphasize the hostages' return. The support extended to Munich Airport and public transit companies displaying event information and allowing employee participation during work hours. The response was remarkable," notes Katz.
Bavaria's anti-antisemitism efforts extend beyond symbolic gestures. Each of Bavaria's 33 public universities maintains a dedicated antisemitism coordinator. Local police appointed a specialized officer for antisemitic crimes, established a priority hotline for reporting such incidents, and works with a dedicated Bavarian prosecutor specializing in these cases.
Consul General Talya Lador-Fresher attests to the city's exceptional support: "Since Oct. 7, Munich and Bavaria have demonstrated extraordinary solidarity with Israel. Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder's December visit to Israel and Kibbutz Nir Oz during active rocket threats left a lasting impression. Cross-party support for Israel and Munich's partnership with Beersheba continue strengthening despite the conflict."
From Nazi building to Israeli flags
For Lador-Fresher, whose consulate occupies a building within a former Nazi leadership complex, the historical transformation remains poignant. "Munich's evolution from Nazi movement capital is remarkable. While some Nazi-era buildings remain, including the Higher School of Music adjacent to our consulate where Hitler's office stood and the infamous Munich Agreement was signed, they now serve different purposes. The Israeli consulate's location, owned by the School of Music, now proudly displays Israeli flags where Nazi banners once flew."
"The Bavarian police provide constant, optimal protection. For Israelis here, the historical irony resonates deeply. Munich's leadership demonstrates unprecedented support, particularly noteworthy when many diplomats face challenges elsewhere. Recent initiatives like Hebrew tourist maps welcome Israeli visitors. City hall maintains open communication, and unlike most cities that initially showed support, Munich continues displaying our flag. Witnessing Munich's steadfast solidarity during these times proves both moving and encouraging."
