PEGIDA s Anti-Islamic Movement and the Challenges Facing Germany

PEGIDA is one of the German original movements which since last year, has challenged the German government through holding anti- Islamic demonstrations in many cities. Various transformations throughout the world, especially the images released of the inhuman acts of terrorist groups such as ISIS, which takes place in the name of Islam against Muslims and non – Muslims (Christians), and most importantly, the events of Charlie Hebdo and black Friday (13 November) in France, and explosions in Belgium caused this movement to attract more followers and to promote its anti-Islamic and foreign demands more vigorously. Based on the racism and nationalistic roots in Germany, and the sensitivities of the German government towards these matters, the German government has been trying to lessen the importance of this issue. However, the reality is different, since the actions of the West-leaning German government and the poisonous propaganda of the Western and German media during the past years have led to the creation of such movements against Islam and immigrants. Moreover, this movement is gradually expanding to other European countries as well. The nature of this study is analytical-descriptive and intends to address the roots of this movement in Germany and Europe.