Germany is facing a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks and social unrest as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressing his outrage, proclaimed his shame at the recent attacks targeted at the Jewish community in Germany. The history of the November pogroms of 1938, also known as “Kristallnacht,” adds to Germany’s responsibility to offer unwavering support to Israel. However, amidst the escalating conflict, some Jewish individuals in Germany are now forced to hide their identity, instilling fear and uncertainty in their lives.
Noa, a woman with family members who survived the Holocaust by hiding in Poland, shares her disturbing experience at a Berlin synagogue. She expresses her fear, questioning why she should live in constant apprehension of being targeted because of her religious identity. Aaron, a Jewish man who fled the war in Ukraine, also feels unsafe in Berlin and refrains from publicly displaying traditional Jewish items like his kippah and tzitzit. He underscores the notion that many people in Berlin support terrorist organizations, further exacerbating his concerns.
Across Europe, the rise of antisemitism due to the Israeli-Hamas conflict is causing widespread alarm. For Germany, the issue is intensified due to the nation’s dark history with the Nazi regime. Act of antisemitism incidents were already increasing prior to the Hamas attacks, primarily perpetrated by far-right groups, according to preliminary police figures. Since October, prominent politicians have called for people, particularly those from the political left and Muslim backgrounds, to distance themselves from Hamas’ actions. German foreign policy has long maintained that Israel’s security is of utmost importance, referred to as Staatsräson, or reason of state, by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008. During a recent visit to Israel, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated the nation’s commitment to stand by Israel during challenging times.
However, Germany’s stance on Israel is visibly challenged on the streets of cities like Berlin. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations, like the permitted 9,000-strong march, feature placards expressing dissatisfaction with Germany’s national doctrine. Nadim Jarrar, a participant in the protest, believes that Germany should be more open to discussing the actions of Israel. He emphasizes the importance of healthy criticism and national introspection. Sami, who has family in the West Bank and resides in Stuttgart, stresses the necessity of expressing pain for the sufferings of Palestinians. He refers to the videos that capture the plight of Palestinian children, leading to a deep sense of despair and urgency.
Amidst fiery debates, certain demonstrations have unfortunately resulted in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Investigations are underway regarding reports of jihadist-inspired banners flown at a march in Essen. There was also widespread condemnation when a group, subsequently disbanded by the government, appeared to celebrate the Hamas atrocities on the streets of Berlin. Felix Klein, the German government’s Commissioner for Jewish life, acknowledges the significant flaw in Germany’s integration policy, which permits the transformation of legitimate criticism into antisemitic and anti-Israel hatred. He highlights the danger of denying Israel’s right to exist, exemplified by chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to spark debates regarding Germany’s foreign and domestic positioning. The Jewish community in Germany, haunted by historical trauma, not only experiences a sense of fear but also feels like perpetual outsiders. The frustration lies in the perceived unwillingness of the political elite to break the German taboo and openly criticize Israel. The duration of the conflict will likely prolong the ongoing debate.
Germany faces a challenging road ahead, characterized by a growing concern over rising antisemitism, the need for effective integration policies, and the delicate balance of supporting Israel while also engaging in constructive criticism. The safety and acceptance of the Jewish community in Germany depend on the nation’s ability to address these complex issues head-on and foster an inclusive society that respects diverse identities.
