Berlin Mayor Condemns Attack on Head of German-Arabic School in Neukölln; State Security Investigates
The head of a German-Arabic language school in Berlin's Neukölln district was reportedly assaulted at the Rathaus Neukölln underground station on Friday morning, raising concerns over the safety of educators engaged in intercultural dialogue. The incident, which is currently under investigation by Berlin's state security authorities, has prompted strong condemnation from city leadership and community organizations.
According to statements provided to law enforcement, the school director, Hudhaifa Al-Mashhadani, was approached from behind and forcefully pushed several times as a train entered the platform. The assailant, described as a man of European appearance, attempted to push Al-Mashhadani toward the incoming train. The victim reported immediate pain but did not sustain serious injuries. The perpetrator also allegedly issued death threats following the physical confrontation.
Berlin police have confirmed receiving a formal complaint and are in the process of reviewing surveillance footage from the station. The description of the suspect includes a height of approximately 176 centimeters, black hair, a black mustache, glasses, a long black coat, and a red Palestinian scarf. Authorities are seeking witnesses who may have observed the incident to assist in the identification of the suspect.
The state security division, responsible for cases with potential political motivations, is leading the investigation due to the victim's public profile and his previous advocacy work. Al-Mashhadani is recognized both as the director of the Ibn Khaldun language school and as the Secretary General of the German-Arab Council. He is known for his efforts to promote secular education, protect students from coercive religious practices, and foster dialogue between Arab and Israeli communities. His public stance against extremist groups has made him a target of threats in the past, particularly from supporters of radical organizations.
The Ibn Khaldun school, established in 1974 and named after a renowned Arab scholar, offers one of the few secular language programs in Neukölln, where Arabic instruction is often linked to religious institutions. The school has been under police protection for several months due to heightened tensions and reports from students regarding pressure to conform to religious dress codes in other educational settings.
Local and national leaders have responded to the attack with statements of solidarity. Berlin's mayor emphasized the importance of supporting those who build bridges between communities and condemned any act that seeks to undermine peaceful coexistence. Community groups, including the Kurdish community in Germany, have also expressed their support for Al-Mashhadani and denounced the attack as an assault on democratic values.
The incident comes amid rising concerns over security in Neukölln following recent geopolitical conflicts and the resulting polarization within local communities. Experts in social integration note that targeted attacks on figures advocating for moderation and dialogue can have a chilling effect on efforts to promote inclusivity and counter extremism.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police urging anyone who witnessed the event or who may have information about the suspect to come forward. Officials reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the safety of educators and upholding the principles of open, democratic society in Berlin.