Berlin in the news: a Russian-linked espionage case arrests a Kazakh in the city; security beef up & Ty. Also tense Syria talks. Berlin: Germany’s capital and state.
Antisemitic incidents have increased worldwide following Hamas' attack on Israel. Britain, Ireland, and Germany report significant rises in antisemitic acts, including violence, vandalism, and hate speech, amid heightened tensions and political debates. Authorities are responding with increased security and calls for targeted policies.
A 20-year-old Syrian refugee, Wassim Al M., was convicted for stabbing a tourist at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial in February 2025. The attack, motivated by Islamic State ideology, targeted Jewish symbolism amid rising anti-Semitic sentiment in Germany. The victim survived but faces ongoing trauma.
Ali Darwich, a 33-year-old German with Palestinian and Lebanese roots, advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Muslim communities in Germany. Amid rising violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, he promotes tolerance through social media and inclusive Ramadan gatherings, highlighting personal struggles and calls for acceptance.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Germany and the UK to discuss reconstruction and migration. Germany aims to facilitate the return of Syrians, with officials emphasizing economic rebuilding and diplomatic normalization. Critics highlight ongoing instability and past concerns about Sharaa's Islamist background.
Reza Pahlavi has been splattered with a liquid outside Germany’s federal press conference building during his visit to Berlin. He has called on European nations to increase pressure on Iran’s regime amid ongoing conflict and stalled negotiations. Several German lawmakers have met with him, but the German government has not scheduled official talks. Pahlavi continues to advocate for a transition in Iran, claiming widespread support among Iranians abroad.
The federal prosecutor's office has identified a suspect, Sergej K., who has been in continuous contact with a Russian intelligence handler since at least May 2025. He is accused of sharing details on German defense contractors, drone tech, NATO convoy movements, and potential sabotage targets, while offering to recruit others. Police have arrested him and will bring him before a judge for pre-trial decisions.
A 55-year-old German postal worker is back on her nine‑metre barge delivering mail and packages along Lehde’s waterways as the spring season resumes. She has been doing this for 14 years, navigating the Spreewald’s canal network and selling stamps, with letters giving way to more packages as shipments rise.
Two-month conflict in Iran is driving higher costs and tighter sourcing in Dubai’s food scene. Chefs are cutting payroll, shrinking orders, and leaning on local and regional ingredients while authorities try to mitigate the impact on tourism and dining.
A series of personal-experience articles chronicles expatriates who have moved between countries seeking better lives. From Berlin to Sonoma, from Malta to Chiang Mai, and from Tuscany to a Tuscan village, the pieces explore how relocations, retirement plans, and family decisions shape their journeys.