German Chancellor Merz Warns: Anti-Israel Criticism Fuels Antisemitism

Talk about a weighty celebration! The 75th anniversary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany became a crucial platform for discussing the alarming rise of antisemitism. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz didn't mince words, declaring that criticism of Israel is increasingly used as a mere pretext to stoke hatred against Jews in Germany.

Germany's Unwavering Stance

Chancellor Merz emphatically stated that Germany's commitment to Israel's existence and security is a "non-negotiable part of the normative foundations" of the country. He personally promised his government's tireless work for this "uniquely precious friendship" while stressing that criticism of the Israeli government, while necessary, does not equate to disloyalty to this friendship.

The Central Council's Plea and Rising Fears

Yosef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, urged the German government to continue its unconditional support for Israel, despite global pressure regarding its actions in Gaza. Schuster highlighted a dangerous misconception: the mistaken belief that Jews in Germany are responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. He explained that this error fuels antisemitism, which has been on a sharp rise since the Hamas terror attacks in October 2023 and Israel's subsequent military operations.

A Dangerous Mix of Antisemitism

According to Schuster, Germany is currently facing a perilous blend of antisemitism:

Traditional right-wing antisemitism
Emerging left-wing antisemitism
Islamist antisemitism

This "perfect dangerous mix" has had a profound impact on the tiny Jewish community in Germany, numbering only about 200,000. A survey of 105 German Jewish communities revealed that 70% of individuals feel unsafe and observed, indicating that antisemitism has "eaten into the middle of society."

Call to Action

Chancellor Merz appealed to every German citizen to actively fight against antisemitism, emphasizing that it's not solely the government's responsibility. While no concrete new measures were announced, the overarching message was a commitment to ensuring that Jews can live freely and safely in Germany. Despite the palpable fear, Schuster noted that normal, joyful Jewish life is still possible outside of major cities, a beacon of hope amid the challenges.