Violent display of Jew hate at anti-Israel rally in Berlin

At one point, a team from the 160 police officers deployed at the event was sent directly into the fray to rescue a journalist who had been pushed to the ground as protesters hurled stones and wooden placards.

This behaviour has also been condemned by Germany’s Central Council of Muslims.

General secretary Abdassamad El Yazidi said: “Anyone who claims to be protesting for Palestine by insulting Jews has understood neither their religion nor the message of their prophet.”

Police investigators examining video footage have established a 40-strong group of young men as being the most aggressive element of the crowd. Police have initiated criminal investigations into serious breaches of the peace, grievous bodily harm and incitement to hatred.

The previous day, two police officers were injured at another anti-Israeli demonstration in Neukölln.