Berlin Shop Owner Attacked After Displaying Anti-Hamas Signs

A 67-year-old business owner, who uses a wheelchair, has been repeatedly attacked by teenagers in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood. The Berlin police reported that the man was subjected to curses, pepper spray, and physical assault. The motive for the series of attacks appears to be signs against antisemitism displayed in his shop's windows, referencing the Hamas terror attack on October 7th. According to German media, the first attack occurred on October 7th itself, when about six teenagers assaulted the man in his shop on Falckensteinstraße. The following evening, six youths returned, pepper-sprayed him, and fled when he cried for help. However, the suspects soon returned, pepper-sprayed him again, and also beat him, causing facial pain. The victim, Hans-Georg Lindenau, is a well-known figure in the left-wing and anti-fascist scene, recognized for his "M99" department store, formerly located on Bergmannstraße 99. Lindenau has requested solidarity visits to his current shop on Falckensteinstraße, especially in the evenings. He told the "Berliner Morgenpost" that since October 3rd, when he hung the anti-antisemitism posters, a small group of children and teenagers, estimated to be between 10 and 15 years old and described as having "dark Arab skin tone," have been repeatedly harassing him. Lindenau stated he feels mentally well but is preparing for further attacks. The harassment continued on Friday evening when about eight youths on electric scooters stopped outside the shop, kicking and damaging the entrance door. Police confirmed the signs in the window related to the Hamas terror attack. The State Security Department of the Berlin Criminal Investigation Department has opened an official investigation into suspected grievous bodily harm, insult, and property damage.