Disclaimer: This is not a statement on the Middle East conflict. It concerns the interpretation of local events, as well as how we interact with comrades and the manner in which criticism of other positions is expressed.
For several years now, the Rote Flora has repeatedly been the target of hostility and attacks. These attacks do not come from right-wing groups, but from groups identifying as left-wing within the anti-imperialist spectrum. The reason for this is that, in the aftermath of October 7, the Flora stood in solidarity with Jewish people. Thus, the banner “Killing Jews is not fighting for freedom” became the starting point for, among other things, attacks (some of which were specifically directed at individual activists), defamation on “social” media, a short-term occupation, and accusations of racism.
Comrades who gave presentations at Flora were also subjected to online hate speech and incitement.
Even when there are conflicting viewpoints in a conflict, the very least one can do is maintain a basic level of respect for the other side. Since October 7, 2023, this has not been the case for some groups toward Flora.
The FAU Hamburg stands in solidarity with the Rote Flora and condemns the authoritarian attacks on the center.
