Around 40 pro-Palestinian activists stormed the main building of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) on Friday, November 7th, setting off fireworks from the roof and displaying a banner.
The activists occupied the building for about two hours before leaving, after the university threatened them with trespassing charges. Police then secured the entrances. According to authorities, around 500 people joined the broader demonstration across Munich with 100 police officers deployed. No further incidents were reported.
Bavaria’s Commissioner for Jewish Life and the Fight against Antisemitism, Ludwig Spaenle, condemned the protest, stating that while criticism of the Israeli government is legitimate, defaming German academic institutions is unacceptable. He described the activists’ claims about TUM’s alleged involvement in Gaza’s suffering as “vile slander” and “completely unfounded.”
The incident follows a wave of pro-Palestinian actions across Europe this year, including protests that disrupted a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris and a shooting at a wedding linked to pro-Palestinian motives.
