The head of Germany's largest police union delivers an unequivocal message about protecting Jewish communities in the wake of October 7, while calling for expanded powers to combat rising antisemitism and extremism across the country. In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, Jochen Kopelke details his organization's commitment to ensuring Jewish security and outlines necessary reforms to prevent the spread of hate on German streets.
Jochen Kopelke, 41, leads the German Police Union GdP (Gewerkschaft der Polizei), the world's largest organization of its kind. The union represents more than 210,000 police officers, police employees, and security forces personnel – both past and present. Since the outbreak of war, these officers have been standing on the front lines confronting violent anti-Israel demonstrations.
"We serve as the last line of defense in the streets against Hamas supporters. If we fail to stop them – they will overflow the streets and bring back dangers we've already witnessed in German history," he says. "Our mission is to prevent this. We show no tolerance for antisemitic expressions and calls for Israel's destruction. I believe even Hamas supporters are beginning to grasp this reality."
Drawing from more than two decades of experience in the German police force, and as one of the system's most influential figures, he delivers a clear message to German Jews and Israelis residing in the country. "We recognize there's a concerning trend causing Jews to fear walking in the streets. There are areas where Jews and LGBTQ+ community members face genuine threats. As a police officer, I find this situation absolutely unacceptable. It demands fundamental change, which we are actively pursuing."
Kopelke outlines his vision for this transformation. "It includes expanding police authority to confront those who act against our state's values," he explains and addresses Jews and Israelis directly: "We want you visible in our streets, speaking Hebrew without fear, feeling secure in your daily lives."
He faces the complex historical context head-on. "We acknowledge the German police's past, but we've transformed. Our present mission is protecting Jews, and our union communicates this message without ambiguity. If you feel threatened – contact the police, identify yourself as Jewish, and express your concerns, and we will respond, protect, and safeguard you. We maintain zero tolerance for antisemitism. That chapter of history is firmly closed."
The path to police leadership began with synagogue security. Kopelke advanced through various field and staff positions before assuming leadership of the police union. His role encompasses overseeing the professional and general interests of all police employees, past and present. One of his earliest assignments involved securing Jewish communities in Bremen. This experience, combined with his background in demonstration management, provides him unique insight into the new challenges facing German streets since October 7, 2023.
"We witness our officers facing attacks during these demonstrations, but they maintain professionalism, understanding this work is challenging yet essential. Those breaking laws should expect no leniency. Despite numerous officers sustaining injuries during pro-Hamas demonstrations, we remain undeterred. We'll continue providing enhanced security at synagogues and Jewish institutions, maintaining our resolve against protesters. As I mentioned: they're learning where we draw the line and the futility of testing our resolve."
Kopelke demonstrates clear awareness of the complex situation, highlighting the combined threat to Jewish communities from pro-Hamas supporters on the extreme left and antisemitism from the extreme right. "The statistics are stark – antisemitic attacks doubled within a year after October 7. This widespread phenomenon emerges from multiple sources: antisemitism from both extreme left and right. At pro-Hamas demonstrations, we observe Middle Eastern immigrants alongside extreme left and right elements. This coalition generates legitimate fear within Jewish communities. We require enhanced tools to counter this wave of hatred."
This conversation follows a special conference organized by the German Justice Ministry and Simon Wiesenthal Center. Kopelke participated in the event, moderated by Liron Glickman, a Holocaust survivors' granddaughter, civil diplomat, and international business development consultant recognized in Israeli and global tech circles.
"The October 7 Hamas massacre of Jews and Israelis has had direct repercussions in Germany – this crime transcends borders. We're seeing threats, hate crimes, and antisemitic graffiti. Lifelong Jewish residents suddenly fear walking our streets. While we've strengthened security at Jewish institutions, we're simultaneously pursuing legislation to better protect our society from those who make it unsafe for others. We're explicitly asking politicians to equip police with additional tools for protecting vulnerable populations."
Implementation challenges stem from Germany's federal structure of 16 states. For instance, artificial intelligence for suspect identification is permitted in Bavaria but prohibited in Berlin and elsewhere. Notably, Berlin, despite facing large demonstrations, operates under more restrictive police guidelines. "We need unified standards for German police forces, enabling firm action against lawbreakers, preventing situations where we observe demonstrations without authority to address criminal behavior."
He emphasizes that "Pro-Hamas demonstrations created an impression of tolerating October 7 events support." His stance is resolute: "This crime must receive no legitimacy, whether through symbols or disguised rhetoric. Munich police possess tools for swift criminal apprehension through artificial intelligence. We advocate extending these capabilities to all German police forces."
Kopelke expresses optimism about potential changes following the February 23 elections. "Progress seems likely as the Bundestag advances new legislation addressing terrorism from Islamist groups, Hamas, and supporters undermining German democracy. We need police capability to address all forms of hate speech, antisemitism, and cybercrime. Denmark's model of police presence on social media offers a template – German police need similar tools, as online activity frequently manifests in street demonstrations."
"Expressions like 'from the river to the sea' must be prohibited throughout Germany, including social media, with consequences for violations. Our challenge has been politicians discussing these issues without creating sufficient legal framework for combating these phenomena. We anticipate post-election changes. German police officers reject passive observation – they seek active engagement against these threats to ensure a better society and sustained Jewish life in Germany."
