Lee Heidhues 11.3.2023
Germany is well aware of the dangers of antisemitism. A country whose name will forever be stained by the Nazi reign and the resultant Holocaust from 1933-1945.
This is the reason the current Socialist government, which includes the Green Party in its ranks, has been so strident and sensitive in protecting the rights of its Jewish population.
It’s a real dilemma. Protecting the rights of its refugee population, which includes many people from the Middle East diaspora, while simultaneously cracking down on antisemitism.
The strong feelings bordering on virulent antisemitism are not limited to its refugee population. This abhorrent behavior is also exhibited by German citizens across the political spectrum.
Excerpted from Deutsche Welle 11.3.2023
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has spoken out emphatically about antisemitism in Germany — and, in particular, an uptick in hate crimes since the Israel-Hamas war began.
“Jewish communities warn their members to avoid certain places for their own safety. And this is the reality here today, in Germany, almost 80 years after the Holocaust,” said Habeck.
In a video posted online, the Green Party politician also warned that there would be consequences for those who exhibit antisemitic hatred.
Habeck defended Israel’s security as an integral part of Germany’s existence as a nation and sharply criticized antisemitic tendencies among some Muslims, right-wing extremists and left-wing activists.
He said Germany’s responsibility for the Holocaust meant it was essential that Jews should be able to live “freely and safely in Germany, that they never again have to be afraid to openly show their religion and their culture. But it is precisely this fear that is back.”
He spoke of “painful” conversations with Frankfurt’s Jewish community, in which he learned that children were now afraid to go to school and sports clubs or to display their religious affiliation by, for example, wearing the Star of David necklace.
Habeck, who in addition to being vice chancellor is also minister for economic affairs and climate action, said there should be severe consequences for antisemitic acts, particularly for supporters of the radical Islamist militant group Hamas in Germany.
Later on Thursday, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced a ban on activities by or supporting Hamas and another pro-Palestinian organization accused of antisemitism.
Habeck said the burning of Israeli flags during demonstrations and “praising Hamas terror” were criminal offenses.
“Any German citizen who does this will have to answer for such offenses in court. Those who are not German cititzens will also risk their residency status,” said Habeck. “Anyone who does not yet have a residence permit will have provided a reason to be deported.”
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-habeck-warns-antisemitism-bears-consequences/a-67281958
Top photo: caption “Berlin – Death to Jews. Death to Israel”
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