In the meeting with the member of the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus Holger Krestel (FDP) and his adviser Silke Reinert, the discussion turned among other things to the strong symbolic power that things happening in the capital Berlin have for the whole of Germany. For example the anti-Israeli and antisemitic demonstrations of recent weeks.
A democracy can hardly prevent its opponents from using it in order to pursue its abolition. All the more important, therefore, that wherever there is political room for manoeuvre we use it so as not to give these opponents unnecessary space.
Mr Krestel pointed out to us that the association „Islamic Relief“ operates the Muslim pastoral care telephone line in the Land of Berlin.
However, „according to the knowledge of the Federal Government, both „Islamic Relief Worldwide“ (IRW) and „Relief Deutschland e.V.“ (IRD) have significant personal links to the „Muslim Brotherhood“ or to organisations close to it“ (Deutscher Bundestag, printed paper 19/24269). In the Federal Government’s assessment of these organisations, Israel’s accusations that „Islamic Relief Worldwide“ finances Hamas are also taken into account.
The association denies the accusations and points to internal reforms since the public accusations were made. Nevertheless, it may be doubted whether this association is suitable for operating such a facility.
Many thanks for the interesting conversation!
