A widely circulated YouTube video depicts Egyptian preacher Omar Abdelkafi congratulating “his sons” on their accomplishments. These “sons” are understood to be Hamas, the group responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 people, as well as rapes, hostage-taking, and widespread destruction during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The video’s title references “Al-Aqsa Flood,” the code name used by the terrorist organization for the massacre. A still image from the video shows Abdelkafi alongside a photograph of jubilant men and youths on a military jeep – the same image used by the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas’s parent organization, in its statement regarding the massacre.
Celebrated by Followers, Known to Security Agencies
Abdelkafi enjoys a significant following. He was scheduled to appear at a celebration hosted by the Al-Ahibba Mosque in Garching near Munich on December 6, 2025. Individuals questioned by broadcasters outside the venue stated they were attending specifically to see Abdelkafi, describing him as a modern and peaceful role model. The mosque describes Abdelkafi as spiritually motivating and has issued a written statement distancing itself from extremism. The mosque is not currently under observation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and has a history of interreligious dialogue. However, questions remain regarding providing a platform to someone who publicly glorifies violence.
Security authorities have monitored Abdelkafi for some time, citing repeated antisemitic statements. In an interview with an Arabic television channel, Abdelkafi cited a Hadith – a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad – which, according to Florian Volm of the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Abdelkafi applied to the present day “without historical context.” Volm stated, “This Hadith concerns Muslims killing and defeating Jews. This is highly problematic because it is antisemitic, and it is also interesting that Hamas refers to the same Hadith in its own charter.”
What is Hamas?
Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and is banned in Germany. Its stated goal is the destruction of the State of Israel. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimates approximately 550 Hamas supporters are present in Germany as of 2024. The President of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), Martin Jäger, recently warned of a “very real risk” that Hamas could extend its activities to Europe. Several individuals suspected of being Hamas members have recently been arrested and are accused of planning attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions.
Garching Event: Was Abdelkafi Allowed to Speak?
Beyond specific terror plots, open sympathy for Hamas is evident. Slogans supporting Hamas were chanted at demonstrations, such as the one in Berlin on October 7, 2025, where the Hamas massacre was celebrated as a “victory.” In Munich, prosecutors are investigating a vocational school student who allegedly tore down posters featuring Hamas hostages shortly after the October 7th attacks. His lawyer has not commented on the allegations. It remains unclear whether the case will proceed to trial at the Munich Regional Court.
Returning to Garching, Abdelkafi did not appear on December 6th. Federal police denied him entry at Munich Airport, according to reports. Instead, a video message promoting peaceful coexistence was shown at the venue. Mosque representatives stated they were unaware of Abdelkafi’s previously published problematic statements. Hans-Jakob Schindler of the Counter Extremism Project expressed incomprehension, stating, “I do not understand why a platform is offered to a person who approves of terrorist attacks, either in person or via video.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did the Muslim Brotherhood play in the October 7th attacks?
The Muslim Brotherhood, the parent organization of Hamas, used the same image of celebrating individuals on a military jeep in its statement regarding the October 7th massacre as was featured in the YouTube video of Omar Abdelkafi.
What is the status of Hamas in Germany?
Hamas is a banned terrorist organization in Germany and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution estimates around 550 supporters are present in the country as of 2024.
What happened with Omar Abdelkafi’s planned appearance in Garching?
Omar Abdelkafi was denied entry into Germany by federal police and did not appear at the event in Garching. A video message promoting peaceful coexistence was shown instead.
Given the increasing concerns about the potential for Hamas to expand its activities into Europe, how might authorities balance security measures with the protection of civil liberties?
