A young Somali woman, Ayan M.-A. (26), recently attacked a female board member of the German-Israeli Society at Hamburg University, causing serious injuries. The victim, Veronika K. (56), described the anti-Semitic attack as a painful experience, leaving her with impaired eyesight, numbness on the left side of her face, and a massive concussion. She continues to experience headaches and is at risk of retinal detachment, feeling as though an excavator had run over her body.
The attack occurred after a lecture at the university where a professor discussed the topic of anti-Semitism definitions. Despite enhanced security measures, sympathizers of the terrorist organization Hamas disrupted the event and engaged in heated discussions accusing Israel of genocide. Pro-Palestinian women shouted insults towards Veronika K., eventually leading to a physical altercation.
Veronika K. described being targeted by the attackers who insulted and physically assaulted her. The Somali woman involved in the attack called the police and falsely accused Veronika of violence leading to charges against both parties. Veronika expressed shock at the level of hatred she faced during the incident and emphasized the need for safety and respect on campus.
The Somali woman, Ayan M.-A., is associated with an anti-Israel protest camp near the university prompting an investigation by State security officials. Despite concerns about further demonstrations by Israel haters on campus, Hamburg’s Science Senator emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and rejection of violence by all individuals regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. University representatives are scheduled to meet with Jewish community leaders to address safety concerns on campus and ensure a supportive environment for all students and faculty that values diversity and inclusion while rejecting hate speech and violence
