Berlin Mayoral Candidate Elif Eralp to Issue Statement Amid Security Concerns

Berlin Left Party politician Elif Eralp, a candidate for mayor, announced she will issue a statement following revelations by Der Spiegel concerning her fears of terror sympathizers. Internal notes from Eralp, accidentally sent to Der Spiegel along with an interview document, reveal her security concerns. She reportedly expressed fear for herself and her family if she were to publicly name individuals associated with Hamas, stating, "He is afraid of these people and so am I," and "I cannot put myself and my family in danger for 'Der Spiegel'." Eralp also regretted agreeing to the interview.

The concerns stem from an interview where Eralp discussed Ibrahim Ibrahim, a leading figure in the United Palestinian National Committee, which Berlin's domestic intelligence agency classifies as extremist and links to the PFLP. Ibrahim had referred to the killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a "martyr hero." Eralp's spokesperson told Der Spiegel that the politician has faced daily insults and threats for months and that security authorities advised her against naming individuals with suspected ties to organized crime or terrorist structures. Eralp's notes referenced a previous recommendation from the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) to "never name specific individuals," noting the shift from organized crime concerns to individuals with Hamas contacts.

The controversy extends beyond Eralp's personal safety. Photos emerged of Ibrahim attending a Left Party election celebration in Neukölln and being photographed with Bundestag member Ferat Koçak, raising questions about political connections within circles sympathetic to Hamas and holding antisemitic views. Koçak denied knowing Ibrahim, despite photographic evidence of their interactions.

Politicians from the Berlin CDU have sharply criticized Eralp. Neukölln representative Christopher Förster stated Berlin needs a mayor who confronts extremists, not one who appears to let them dictate public discourse. CDU security expert Burkard Dregger and Finance Senator Stefan Evers questioned Eralp's suitability to ensure public safety if she fears elements within her own party. Evers urged the SPD and Greens to draw consequences, calling the warning signs "unmistakable."

Further criticism came from SPD politicians. Outgoing Neukölln Mayor Martin Hikel criticized Eralp and the Berlin Left Party, suggesting such self-censorship reveals the extent of "terror-glorifying, antisemitic forces" within the party seeking power. Former Governing Mayor Michael Müller stated this situation implies a governing mayor could be blackmailed.

Women's rights activist Seyran Ateş, who herself faces threats from Islamists, pointed out a contradiction: Eralp cites LKA advice and fears individuals with Hamas ties, while her party seeks to weaken police and intelligence agencies. Volker Beck, President of the German-Israeli Society, affirmed Eralp's concerns, stating that Ibrahim and the Left Party's Neukölln environment are indeed cause for fear, and Berlin is a target for Palestinian terror. He emphasized the threat of terrorist attacks on Jewish and pro-Israel targets, concluding that a party unable to name terrorist dangers or expel sympathizers is unfit for security policy responsibilities.