By Katja Colmenares
What kind of signal is this? In Berlin, intact bus shelters at bus stops seem to be more important than standing on Israel’s side.
For over a week there have been a large number of inquiries to the Berlin street furniture company Wall AG. “This came from around 15 different senders – across countries,” said Wall spokeswoman Frauke Bank to BZ
All of them, including David Harnasch, head of the opinion portal “Salonkolumnisten”, had one request for the company: Wall should place missing person reports for the almost 200 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas.
A 9-month-old baby was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. However, the poster will not be hung in Berlin Photo: BRING THEM HOME
But Wall refused! Reason: “Since we are obliged to consult with our contractual partners, we had to clarify this with the traffic administration responsible for us,” says Bank.
And she immediately advised against it. “According to two motives and the associated assessment of the Berlin police, we recommended to our contractual partner Wall not to publish the posters. The effect of the two motifs was classified as polarizing and glorifying violence, even though the message was intended to be directed against the terrorist organization Hamas,” said spokeswoman Britta Elm.
In addition, “the risk for the advertising systems is too great,” the “Tagesspiegel” quoted an administration spokeswoman as saying. The fear of destroyed bus stops is apparently greater than solidarity with Israel.
The BVG itself also refused. “The motives in question were not compatible with the contracts between BVG and Wall,” said a spokesman.
It was argued, among other things, that the risk to the advertising systems was too great Photo: BRING THEM HOME
In fact, most motifs are structured like a wanted or missing person report. Under the heading “Abducted” there are photos and names of the children, women and men abducted by Hamas. There is no glorification of violence.
Nevertheless, Wall also agrees with the decision. “It’s hard to refuse something like that. But we have a certain responsibility for what we broadcast in public spaces. A further escalation of the situation must be avoided,” said Bank spokeswoman Wall.