Is an Extremist Organizing Arabic Classes in Berlin?
In Berlin, a controversial figure has emerged in the realm of Arabic language education within schools. The city, known for its multicultural landscape, offers Arabic classes aimed at children from Arabic-speaking families. As of the 2024/25 school year, Arabic is taught at 55 schools across the capital, with over 1,600 students participating.
Leadership and Controversies
This initiative falls under the leadership of Mohamad Beidoun, a public school teacher. His appointment to the Berlin Senate’s Department of Education, Youth and Family occurred during the tenure of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and the department is currently led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
However, Beidoun’s involvement in various local Arab organizations has raised alarms. Notably, he holds the position of treasurer of the Deutsch-Libanesischen AMAL-Vereinigung in Berlin, which the Federal Ministry of the Interior identifies as having close ties to the AMAL movement in Lebanon.
Connections to Extremism
The AMAL movement, a Lebanese political and militia group, is known for its association with the terrorist organization Hezbollah. It has been classified as an extremist faction in German intelligence reports. Experts indicate that AMAL fighters have collaborated with Hezbollah against Israel, sharing similar ideologies.
Beidoun’s public persona includes participating in events documented by Abed Khattar, an anti-Israel activist. During one such event, he gave a speech at a memorial for Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, described by some as a former spiritual leader of Hezbollah.
Official Responses and Relationships
In light of these connections, the Berlin Senate’s Education Department has responded cautiously, stating that public employees must uphold democratic values. They emphasized that any violations would lead to immediate action.
Furthermore, both Beidoun and Khattar seem to have well-established relationships with key figures within the Berlin SPD, including Raed Saleh. This connection has drawn scrutiny, especially as Khattar is reportedly linked to extremist organizations like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the banned group Samidoun.
Recent Incidents and Reactions
Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Khattar was noted for spreading propaganda and advocating against Israel. When questioned about his ties to Beidoun and Khattar, Saleh dismissed the concerns as politically motivated misinterpretations.
As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of education and extremism in multicultural settings like Berlin.
