Pro-Palestinian Protest Planned in Basel on Anniversary of First Zionist Congress

A pro-Palestinian demonstration is planned for August 29 in Basel, Switzerland, coinciding with the 129th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress held in the city under the leadership of Theodor Herzl. The event, promoted by the group "basel4palestine," calls for "Death to Zionism" and features imagery reminiscent of Hamas propaganda, including a downward-pointing triangle marking an Israeli tank. However, it remains unclear if the protest will take place, as the Basel-Stadt cantonal police have not yet received a permit application, which is required for public demonstrations and typically must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Authorities have declined to comment on enforcement measures if the protest proceeds without authorization.

The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities (SIG) expressed concern over the planned protest. SIG Secretary-General Jonathan Kreutner urged authorities to identify and prosecute organizers if they act without a permit, warning that such slogans could incite hostility against Jews and create insecurity.

The choice of August 29 is significant, marking the date in 1897 when Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress in Basel. This historic event united hundreds of Jewish delegates from various countries and laid the foundation for the political Zionist movement, including the formulation of the Basel Program aimed at establishing a Jewish homeland in Israel. Herzl was elected president of the newly formed World Zionist Organization and later described the congress as the founding moment of the Jewish state, which was ultimately established in 1948.