Khaberni - Amid the escalating controversy within Germany regarding freedom of expression and political activity related to the Palestinian issue, a number of Palestinians residing in the country face decisions to withdraw residencies and threats of deportation, especially those known for their participation in demonstrations and activities supporting Palestine.
Mohammed, a young Palestinian Syrian born in Yarmouk camp in Syria, arrived in Germany as a child after a journey of displacement that started from Palestine then Syria, studied sociology, and engaged for years in community work and student activities.
Mohammed says that his life changed after the events of October 7th, which began, in his words, "a situation of tightening and surveillance against the supporters of the Palestinian cause," according to Al Jazeera.
Mohammed, who resides in the city of Osnabrück, added that the German authorities withdrew his residency despite him not committing any criminal offense, noting that Palestinians holding temporary documents in Germany have 3 "XXX" marks on their residencies, indicating statelessness.
He continues: "We are displaced from Palestine and then from Syria, and even here we are not recognized as Palestinian citizens, as if we are without a homeland."
The risk of deportation
Salah, another young Palestinian born in Yarmouk camp, arrived in Germany at the age of 17 as a minor, where he studied information engineering and hoped, upon his arrival, to rescue his family from difficult conditions inside the camp through family reunification procedures that minors can apply for, but his request was rejected, according to him.
Yet, Salah continued his studies and built his professional life in Germany, but he asserts that the restrictions on him increased since the year 2024 due to his participation in pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Salah, who also resides in the city of Osnabrück, adds that any word or chant could lead to fines or summons from the authorities, and he adds: "I feel like I am always being watched simply because of my political stance and my defense of Palestine."
And in the city of Leipzig, Majd, who has resided in Germany for 10 years, faces the risk of deportation after receiving an official letter from the German authorities in 2025 informing him of the withdrawal of his residency and requesting him to leave the country.
Majd confirms to Al Jazeera that the decision was a shock to him, especially since he was not accused of any crime, and the only reason, as he was told, is his activity and support for the Palestinian cause.
Majd said the authorities informed him that he has been under surveillance since 2024 because of his political activity. He added: "I don't even know where I can be deported to, as I am stateless, and in Syria I held only a temporary residency document as a Palestinian displaced from Yarmouk camp."
Today, Majd lives with his wife and their child, who is only 9 months old, while he faces a situation of anxiety and uncertainty about his future and the future of his family.
