"The AfD is ideologically rooted in anti-Semitic beliefs"
Rising Antisemitism in Germany: A Multifaceted Challenge
Antisemitism, a long-standing issue in Germany, has seen a significant increase in recent years, with over 5,100 antisemitic offenses recorded by the Federal Police in 2023 – nearly double the number from the previous year [1][2]. This troubling trend is evident not only in far-right groups but also among Islamist extremists and certain leftist factions, creating a complex and multifaceted challenge.
The AfD, a volkisch-nationalist, partly openly fascist party, is one of the key players in the far-right scene. Despite the party's solidarity with Israel appearing superficial, as demonstrated by their quick demand for a halt to weapons deliveries to Israel after October 7, 2023 [3], antisemitism is structurally embedded in the AfD's thinking. Early scandals and representatives of past antisemitism scandals in German party politics have found a new political home in the AfD [4].
Islamist extremists are another major perpetrator of antisemitic incidents. The Berlin police chief has warned Jewish and LGBT residents to exercise caution in Arab-majority neighborhoods due to frequent antisemitic and racist attacks and local sympathies for terrorist groups [1].
Some left-wing factions also contribute to antisemitism, particularly through extreme anti-Israel rhetoric. Violent pro-Palestinian activists have attacked pro-Israel Christians, and an anti-Israel rapper called for Israel's destruction while performing publicly [3]. This strain of antisemitism, camouflaged as anti-Zionism, is present in some leftist circles.
Mainstream political groups like the SPD acknowledge rising antisemitism and have called for coordinated prevention efforts, such as establishing offices to monitor and combat antisemitic incidents. However, concerns about inadequate protection for Jewish communities persist, as noted in Mannheim where local authorities were criticized for failing to guarantee Jewish safety [3].
In eastern Germany, the AfD’s electoral success has deepened concerns about institutional antisemitism and xenophobia. Analyses suggest this stems from historical legacies and current political dynamics, including hostility to democracy and authoritarian tendencies that impact Jewish life [4].
Germany has institutionalized anti-antisemitism initiatives to combat hate, including monitoring antisemitic acts, supporting Jewish communities, and publicly acknowledging the Holocaust's history to prevent recurrence [5]. However, the persistence of antisemitic incidents and the AfD's continued success indicate that more needs to be done.
The AfD's election successes and poll results indicate a renaissance of antisemitism in the political sphere, especially since the Corona pandemic and the antisemitic massacre of Hamas and its allies on October 7, 2023. Statements of antisemitism did not hinder further political careers within the AfD in most cases. The party has spread conspiracy theories about the attack by Hamas, claiming that the Mossad or the USA were behind it. They have also collaborated with the Iranian regime, which threatens Israel with annihilation.
Antisemitic images shape the AfD's program, as seen in political campaigns and throughout the party's publications, especially on social media. The AfD's Israel solidarity is often taken at face value and rarely questioned. A firewall against the AfD no longer exists, as many parties adopt the racist narratives spread by the AfD and increasingly collaborate with them.
Despite large demonstrations for the initiation of a ban procedure for the AfD, the Bundestag has failed to take action. The exclusion of Wolfgang Gedeon from the Baden-Württemberg state parliament was due to the fear of significant damage given the threat of observation by the constitutional protection office.
Stefan Dietl's book analyzes antisemitism within the AfD, Islamists, and supposed leftists. Modern antisemitism is a world-explaining model that rationalizes societal upheavals as a universal conspiracy theory. Antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as the idea that a "globalist elite" rules the world and is responsible for war, crises, and pandemics, are receptive to the "middle of society".
In conclusion, antisemitism in Germany is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action. The AfD's resurgence and the increasing adoption of their racist narratives by other parties highlight the need for strong and effective measures to combat hate speech and protect vulnerable communities.
- The troubling resurgence of antisemitism in the political sphere, as observed in the AfD's continued success, has sparked concerns about the normalization of hate speech and the need for improved education and self-development to counteract prejudiced ideologies.
- The multifaceted challenge of antisemitism in Germany extends to various sectors, including mainstream political groups, Islamist extremists, and certain left-wing factions, whose extreme anti-Israel rhetoric contributes to antisemitic sentiments and attitudes.
- The pervasiveness of antisemitic incidents and the AfD's continued electoral success in certain regions underscores the importance of general news reporting and political discourse that emphasizes the dangers and consequences of antisemitism, as well as the need for sports and entertainment platforms to promote a more inclusive and diverse lifestyle that actively opposes hate speech and prejudice.
