Berlin Shop Owner in Wheelchair Attacked After Displaying Anti-Antisemitism Posters

Hans Georg Lindenau, a 67-year-old shop owner who uses a wheelchair, was repeatedly attacked by a group of teenagers in Berlin after displaying posters outside his business condemning antisemitism and the October 7 massacre. Lindenau suffered injuries to his head and left hand, prompting a police investigation.

Lindenau has operated the well-known M99 shop, known as the "General Store with Revolutionary Supplies," in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood for many years. Ahead of the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, he displayed posters condemning Hamas's atrocities. In the days that followed, he became the target of threats and violence.

Repeated Attacks Leave Shop Owner Injured

On Wednesday, October 7, six young people entered the shop, verbally abused Lindenau, and sprayed him with pepper spray. They returned the following day and attacked him again.

After initially fleeing when Lindenau called for help, the attackers returned as he was closing his business. They sprayed him again and struck him, apparently with an unloaded handgun. Lindenau suffered an injury to the back of his head, bleeding, and an injury to his hand.

Speaking to the German newspaper Bild, Lindenau described his attackers as a group of children and teenagers.

"It's a group of children and teenagers. Sometimes there are six of them, sometimes eight. I assume they're between 10 and 15 years old," he said.

According to Lindenau, the youths initially pretended to be customers, asking whether he had security cameras and whether he would defend himself against a robbery.

They later began questioning him about the posters. "They insulted me and wanted to know whether I was Jewish," he recalled.

Police Investigate Suspected Hate-Motivated Attacks

On Friday evening, eight young people riding electric scooters were seen kicking the shop's door until it broke open before fleeing the scene.

Following Lindenau's complaint, the police state security unit launched an investigation into suspected aggravated assault, insult, and property damage.

Although Lindenau has received support from local residents, he acknowledged that the repeated attacks have left him frightened. "Of course I'm afraid," he admitted.

"There Is No Place for Hostility Toward Jews Here"

Despite the violence, Lindenau remains determined to stand by his principles of tolerance and opposition to antisemitism.

"In my shop, I do not discriminate based on origin, religion, or skin color. I expect the same respect in my shop," he said.

"That is why I repeatedly emphasize that hostility toward Jews has no place here, and never will."