Calau Mayor Addresses Controversial Anti-Semitic Remark
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Calau stirs up a storm over Facebook's antisemitic uproar. The infamous post of a local tailor shop, found on their Facebook page, banned Jews from their premises. This explosive revelation sparked a massive outcry, leading the city of Calau (Oberspreewald-Lausitz district) to lodge a complaint, as announced on their official website. In response, Mayor Marco Babenz (independent) hoisted a banner bearing the message "Calau is colorful" on the town hall, aiming to stand against antisemitism. Previously, RBB reported on this unsettling incident.
The controversy centers around a tailor alterations shop and dry cleaner that operates businesses in Kleinmachnow and Calau. On Facebook, a post surfaced last Sunday, which read "Every Jew, Israeli is banned." Though the post was promptly removed, it garnered significant attention, inciting an official investigation by the Brandenburg police's state protection department.
The tailor shop owner in Calau denies the allegations, affirming that their Facebook page was hacked. The police are currently investigating the incident, suspecting incitement of the masses.
Mayor Babenz made a statement, emphasizing: "We stand boldly against antisemitism, hate, and any form of violence. Antisemitism has no place in our society, here in Calau. We champion tolerance, respect, and harmonious coexistence."
However, questions have arisen about the authenticity of the shop owner's explanation. Reports suggest internal conflict within the business, as Osman, the owner's father, implied that his son might have written the post, conflicting with the hacking claim. Nevertheless, both father and son maintain their determination to cater to all customers, disregarding their backgrounds, according to German media.
Brandenburg Antisemitism Commissioner Andreas Büttner has publicly addressed the incident, airing his doubts about the hacking claim. He underscored that the shop has a significant number of Jewish customers in the local areas of Kleinmachnow and Calau. The community response includes the incitement investigation, calls for accountability, and the shop's commitment to inclusivity.
The controversy surrounding the tailor alterations shop in Calau and Kleinmachnow has expanded into the realm of politics, with Brandenburg Antisemitism Commissioner Andreas Büttner calling for accountability. Moreover, the incident has also gained traction as general-news, with the city's internal conflicts and the police investigation being reported in crime-and-justice sections of various media outlets.
