In a powerful video message, German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has condemned the growing wave of antisemitism in Germany and called for a tough political response. The video, which has been viewed over seven million times, highlights the alarming increase in antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in the country. Mr. Habeck criticized antisemitism from various groups, including Islamists, the far right, and parts of the political left.
Mr. Habeck expressed deep concern that, almost 80 years after the Holocaust, Jewish communities in Germany are having to advise their members to avoid certain places due to safety concerns. His message resonated with many, and some political figures praised his address as a state of the nation speech.
Antisemitism commissioner Felix Klein lauded Mr. Habeck’s appeal, emphasizing the responsibility of all Germans to stand up for the safety of Jewish individuals. Germany has already banned the burning of other countries’ flags, and Mr. Habeck reminded Germans that burning the Israeli flag or praising Hamas’s actions constitute crimes. He warned that those found guilty, regardless of their residence status, would face legal consequences, and non-German individuals could risk losing their residence permits or face deportation.
Mr. Habeck highlighted the need for Muslim groups to distance themselves more decisively from Hamas and antisemitism while expressing concerns about young activists on the left endorsing an ideology of “anti-colonialism.” However, not everyone viewed Mr. Habeck’s message positively. Some criticized him for implying that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.
To combat antisemitism, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun in Germany. These measures aim to prevent the spread of propaganda against Israel and Jews under the pretense of solidarity initiatives. Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, welcomed the bans and urged action against “other hate organizations.”
Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged by 240% in the week following the Hamas attacks, including the throwing of petrol bombs at a Berlin Jewish community center and the defacing of Jewish-owned homes with slogans. Austria has also witnessed a significant increase in reported antisemitic incidents, with Vienna’s central cemetery targeted in an attack.
In a separate development, a Moldovan couple was detained in France on suspicion of spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. The couple claimed to have carried out the offense on behalf of a third party and now face expulsion. It remains uncertain whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish people.
These alarming trends highlight the urgent need for collective action to combat rising antisemitism, not only in Germany but also in other countries. Governments, communities, and individuals must take a firm stance against all forms of hatred and discrimination, ensuring the safety and security of Jewish individuals and communities.
