Berlin police have opened an investigation into suspected antisemitic violence after a 67-year-old shopkeeper who uses a wheelchair was targeted in a series of physical attacks by groups of young people. The incidents followed the display of posters at the shop marking the October 7 Hamas attack and calling out antisemitism.
Hans-Georg Lindenau, who runs the M99 shop in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighbourhood, sustained injuries to his head and arm across a three-day stretch of attacks from 7 to 9 October.
On 7 October — a date marking three years since the Hamas attack on Israel — around six young people reportedly entered Lindenau's shop, directed abusive language at him, and discharged pepper spray in his direction. On the night that followed, as many as six young people returned to the premises and directed pepper spray at the shopkeeper once more.
When Lindenau called out for assistance, the individuals left the scene, only to return a short while later as he was in the process of closing his business for the day. During a second episode of violence, Lindenau reported being sprayed and struck again, sustaining injuries to his face and head. He also recounted that the individuals demanded to know whether he was Jewish and directed an expletive at him. A blow to the head from what he took to be a blank-firing pistol was among the injuries he described.
On Friday evening, the incidents continued as bystanders reported seeing a group of up to eight young people arrive at the front of the shop on electric scooters. A group of individuals kicked and pounded the door repeatedly before departing the property.
Lindenau attributed the incidents to window posters he had put up at his shop in early October, among them one carrying the message "Fight against antisemitism." A memorial tribute built around the phrase "We will dance again" was displayed in remembrance of those who died at the Nova music festival in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, alongside others who perished in the broader violence of that day.
Lindenau explained that placing the posters next to material about an open day at Berlin mosques was a deliberate choice, one intended to express his view that Jews and Muslims can share a society in peace.
Under the name M99, the outlet carries books and printed materials tied to protest and revolutionary causes, alongside related merchandise. Lindenau noted that his business operates as an open door for anyone, regardless of where they come from, what faith they hold, or how they look, and that he expects the same courtesy from those who walk through it.
Lindenau reported that groups of youths had directed threats at him even before the anniversary of October 7, and that the situation worsened once he put up posters opposing antisemitism. While he noted feeling unsettled by the attacks, backing from people in the neighbourhood had given him a measure of reassurance, and he pointed to the media attention surrounding the incidents as a factor he regarded as a deterrent in itself.
People from the surrounding area have taken to dropping by his shop, offering a show of support and an informal presence aimed at discouraging any repeat of the violence he faced. Lindenau noted that repair costs for the entrance damage would fall on him personally, as his insurance policy would not cover them.
The case was referred to the State Criminal Police Office's State Security Division, the unit responsible for offences driven by political motivation. Police are looking into allegations of aggravated assault, criminal insults, and property damage, with the question of antisemitic motivation forming part of that inquiry.
These incidents are unfolding against a backdrop of elevated concern about antisemitic acts in Germany that Jewish groups trace partly to the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack and the conflict in Gaza that followed, with community organisations documenting patterns of intimidation and harassment directed at Jewish residents. As of that point, nobody had been taken into custody over the attacks.
