Berlin authorities canceled the “Palestine in Berlin” cultural festival after officials identified a red triangle on its promotional materials, inspired by the Palestinian flag, which they deemed a symbol linked to a banned group. The event had been scheduled for January 24–25, 2026, in the Reinickendorf district.
The cancellation followed an order from the Israeli Embassy in Berlin, according to local reports. Embassy officials flagged the red triangle on the flyers and criticized the public funding of the event.
German security authorities now classify the inverted red triangle as associated with the banned group. Though the triangle appears in the Palestinian flag and historical contexts, officials state the group uses a pointing version in videos from Gaza to highlight Israeli soldiers and vehicles during military actions.
Both Berlin and federal authorities banned public displays of the triangle in late 2024. Officials claim supporters use it to “intimidate opponents” of those backing what authorities termed the Israeli genocide.
Following a review of the materials, district officials revoked the festival permit and placed the public funding of host organization Salam e.V. under formal review.
The event was to take place at the BBK Linde intercultural center, which is operated by Salam e.V..
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor stated that the imagery contradicted integration values and alleged the event was planned days ahead of what is referred to as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The decision aligns with a broader policy change in Berlin. Last year, the Berlin House of Representatives voted to ban the red triangle, often called the “group’s triangle” by officials. The motion urged the Senate to prohibit the symbol before public events, arguing that it poses a direct threat to Zionists.
Opposition parties did not support the proposal. Green Party lawmaker Vasili Franco cautioned that the ban goes too far, while Left Party deputy Niklas Schrader noted the symbol’s long history and appearances beyond the group, raising concerns about over-criminalization.
Since October 7, Germany has tightened restrictions on speech and symbols connected to Palestine. The Bundestag passed a bill requiring naturalization applicants to affirm Israel’s “right to exist.”
Berlin authorities have also barred Palestinian figures from entry, withdrawn funding from cultural centers, and banned several demonstrations in recent years.
