HRF Files Criminal Complaint in Germany Against Dual National IDF Soldier Shimon Avi Zuckerman

Brussels / Karlsruhe — 24 October 2025 — The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a detailed criminal complaint with the German Federal Prosecutor General (Generalbundesanwalt) against Shimon Avi Zuckerman, a German-Israeli dual national who served as a combat engineer in the 8219 Engineer Battalion of the Israeli army’s 551st Brigade during its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The complaint, submitted on 30 May 2025 through German attorney Melanie Schweizer, accuses Zuckerman of committing:

• War crimes under §9 of the German Code of Crimes Against International Law (VStGB),
• Crimes against humanity under §7 VStGB, and
• Genocide under §6 VStGB.

Who is Shimon Avi Zuckerman?

Zuckerman is a publicly known figure who actively documented his military activities during Israel’s war on Gaza. On his Instagram account, he shared extensive footage and images from the battlefield — not only of his presence and actions in combat zones, but specifically of the destruction of Palestinian civilian infrastructure.

The complaint identifies Zuckerman visually in multiple videos and posts as he detonates or celebrates demolitions of residential buildings. The posts often include graphic scenes of destruction, paired with celebratory gestures such as smoking shisha, cheering with fellow soldiers, or posing for the camera before and after explosions.

Documented Crimes and Key Incidents

Zuckerman (in the middle) posing proudly in front of arson and destruction

Among the most egregious episodes documented is Operation “Nir and Oz”, in which the Palestinian town of Khuza’a, home to approximately 5,000 residents, was completely demolished. Zuckerman’s unit — the 8219 Engineer Battalion — played a central role in the destruction of this civilian area, reducing homes, schools, mosques, a water station, and a community building to rubble.

Footage posted by Zuckerman shows him directly triggering demolitions, cheering with comrades, and documenting the destruction as a form of performance. In one instance, he is seen posing and laughing as buildings collapse behind him. In another, a techno-themed video clip shows him initiating an explosion without wearing a helmet — indicating a non-combat situation and a lack of military necessity.

The complaint also cites independent investigative journalism by platforms including Bellingcat and The Washington Post, which have verified the identities, locations, and operations of Zuckerman and his unit. These reports are incorporated into the legal filing as corroborating evidence.

Germany Must Act as a State of Law — Not of Political Convenience

“The evidence is not just overwhelming — it is self-incriminating,” said Dyab Abou Jahjah, General Director of the Hind Rajab Foundation. “Shimon Zuckerman posted his own crimes online. He is a German national, clearly identified, taking part in the unlawful destruction of an entire town, and celebrating it. If Germany refuses to act on this, it sends the message that law applies only when politics allow. A state of law cannot choose justice selectively.”

Legal Obligation and Consequences of Inaction

Attorney Melanie Schweizer, who filed the complaint on behalf of the Hind Rajab Foundation, emphasized Germany’s legal responsibility:

“

The German state has a clear obligation under the Code of Crimes Against International Law. This is not optional. If the Prosecutor General fails to investigate, that failure itself may amount to complicity. It would be a legal and moral abdication — and we are fully prepared to challenge that in German and international courts if necessary.

”

She continued:

“

We are not dealing with vague allegations. We are dealing with documented acts of violence against civilians, published by the suspect himself, corroborated by multiple independent investigations, and committed by a person holding a German passport. Justice demands action.

”

Legal Action and Demands

The Hind Rajab Foundation is requesting the immediate:

• Opening of a formal investigation,
• Issuance of an arrest warrant, and
• Consideration of pre-trial detention due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes and the suspect’s dual nationality and mobility.

Ongoing Legal Strategy

This complaint is part of the Hind Rajab Foundation’s broader legal campaign to expose and prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel’s war on Gaza. The Foundation is working with legal teams across multiple jurisdictions to pursue both individual perpetrators and those in positions of command responsibility.

As more evidence surfaces and survivors come forward, the Hind Rajab Foundation remains committed to transforming that evidence into legal action.