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In the heart of Berlin, the district of Neukölln recently hosted a solidarity event for the people of Palestine. The event, titled "Neukölln stands together for the people of Palestine," took place on August 9, 2023. One of the key figures behind this gathering is Vedi Emde, a member of the Left Party since 2022.

Emde, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has been a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement in Berlin. He co-founded the Palestine Solidarity working group in Neukölln and is also involved in the working group at the state level (LAG).

The United Palestinian National Committee (UPNC), an established actor in the movement, was also involved in the solidarity event. Emde has emphasized the importance of the UPNC, describing it as an organization committed to "solidarity, education, political engagement, and against oppression and occupation."

The UPNC, which was recognized by Emde as a well-known Palestinian civil society organization or coalition involved in advocacy and activism related to Palestinian rights and solidarity, has been under scrutiny by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution from 2007 to 2013. According to the 2023 Berlin constitutional protection report, supporters of Hamas mobilized under the name United Palestinian National Committee.

Emde has been vocal about his views on the classification of organizations like "Jewish Voice for Just Peace in the Middle East" as extremist due to their criticism of Israel. He believes that such classifications aim to instill fear and prevent people from exercising their democratic rights, such as freedom of expression.

Recently, Emde and the Palestine Solidarity working group criticized the state chairwoman Kerstin Wolter for strengthening a Springer discourse in an open letter on August 7. Emde has also spoken out against the construction of a supposedly "bad" solidarity, as it is lived on the Neukölln Kiez event, and the supposedly "good" solidarity like on the planned mass demonstration "Together for Gaza - Stop the Genocide."

Emde calls for a courageous left that stands by the movement, not trading its fight against antisemitism for solidarity with Palestine. He emphasizes the need for spaces for exchange in the pro-Palestinian movement, where people can mourn together, be angry, and reinforce each other. The district association of Neukölln shares this sentiment, considering it important to meet even in conflicts with "revolutionary friendliness."

The growing criticism of Israel's military operations in Germany, as Emde believes, is a clear sign that pressure from below is felt in Germany. The solidarity event in Neukölln is just one example of this growing movement. The United Palestinian National Committee, with its commitment to solidarity and activism, continues to play a significant role in this movement.