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Antisemitic Sign Removed from Flensburg Business Following Outrage and Condemnation
A business in the German town of Flensburg has found itself at the centre of controversy after a sign reading 'JEWS BANNED HERE' was discovered. The sign, hung up by shop owner Hans-Velten R., has caused outrage across party lines in local politics and has been sharply condemned by various authorities.
Flensburg Mayor Fabian Geyer compared the sign to the darkest chapters of German history, stating, 'This sign has no place in our society. It is a blatant act of antisemitism and a direct attack on the values we hold dear.' German government's commissioner for Jewish life in Germany and the fight against antisemitism, Felix Klein, echoed the mayor's sentiments, telling Welt TV that the incident is a clear case of antisemitism and that intervention is necessary.
Historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk also expressed outrage, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable in modern society. At least four complaints have been received against shop owner Hans-Velten R. due to the antisemitic sign.
The Flensburg police ordered the sign to be taken down on Wednesday evening for reasons of public safety. Another inscription, reading 'Nazis out !!!', was written on the shop window on Thursday morning, suggesting a response to the initial sign.
The police are investigating the antisemitic sign and are checking these complaints for possible offenses. The search results do not provide the name of the business owner who put up the antisemitic inscription.
Hans-Velten R. justifies the sign with the war in Gaza, but this explanation has not been accepted by the authorities. The mayor calls for standing up for democratic values at all times and for a show of stance against antisemitism. Felix Klein welcomed the fact that complaints had already been made, stating that it shows that the community is not tolerant of such behaviour.
The incident has sparked a debate about the presence of antisemitism in Germany, with many calling for increased efforts to combat the issue. The police and authorities remain committed to investigating the matter and ensuring that such incidents are not tolerated in Flensburg or anywhere else in Germany.
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