The young student Lahav Shapira, 30, is finishing his advanced studies at Humbold University in Berlin and is known for his activism. He has attended several meetings of pro-Palestinian woke students, challenging the views of those discussing the Gaza genocide, sometimes addressing the audience alone. In the university corridors, Lahav Shapira has torn down posters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, demanding every effort be made to bring them home.
One individual became heated and attacked him, resulting in Lahav ending up in the hospital with a broken nose and a fractured jaw. The attackers, 23-year-olds of Arab origin, were reported for anti-Semitic assault. This incident has garnered public attention not only because Lahav is a young leader but also because of his surname, Shapira.
His brother is the comedian Shahak Shapira, born in Israel and living in Berlin, who is known for not staying silent on social issues. Both have faced online attacks and anti-Israel sentiments. Their family history is also noteworthy as their grandfather, Amitzur, was the coach of the Israeli athletic team during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
He tragically died at the hands of Palestinian terrorists during the infamous Munich massacre. This family’s history adds complexity to their experiences and sheds light on the enduring impact of political conflicts. The situation in Berlin is not unique, as it echoes the broader issue of rising antisemitism and the complexities of identity and activism.