A Wave of Anti-Semitism Sweeping Through Modern Germany, Israel's Foreign Minister Warns
Criticism from Israel's Foreign Minister towards the intensification of Anti-Semitism in Germany - Criticism levied by Israel's foreign minister towards the upward trend of anti-Semitic sentiments in Germany
Yoav Saar's alerting remarks
"Every blasted minute, there's a motherfucker, aiming for an anti-Semitic act in Germany," Saar bellowed. "Anti-Semitism's rampaging out of control - in the world, especially Europe." He leveled a scathing critique at the pro-Palestinian movement in Germany, branding it as anti-Semitic.
"I can hear the new antisemites in Germany," the Israeli minister growled. "They're eager to hand over the Jewish state to the psched out nutjobs encircling us." He claimed that this called for a self-defense obligation, stating, "This forces us to be stronger than our enemies - enemies stomping the same path as Hitler."
Jewish folks in Europe, in Germany, are living with fear today, Saar declared. "They're scared to don a kippah on the streets. They cower over their safety. Students shun campus," he warned, emphasizing that this shouldn't be considered run-of-the-mill.
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Wadephul expressed profound embarrassment over the ballooning anti-Semitic incidents in Germany. "Hearing Jews and Jews say they no longer feel secure in Germany, that they caution their kids against discussing Hebrew on the street - that strikes a deep chord within me," she said during a visit to the Holocaust Memorial with Saar.
Wadephul reaffirmed Germany's steadfast backing of Israel. "Standing up for Jewish life in Germany and working relentlessly for Israel's security and its tranquil future is our commitment and will remain so," she said.
Both foreign ministers explicitly referred to the yearly report on anti-Semitic incidents in Germany, presented on Wednesday by the Federal Association of Research and Information Centers for Anti-Semitism (RIAS). According to this, the number of such incidents reached a new record high in 2024, with a jaw-dropping 77% increase compared to the previous year, swelling to a staggering 8,627 cases.
Post their visit to the Holocaust Memorial, Wadephul and Saar ventured to the Federal Foreign Office, prepping for an afternoon press conference.
Wadephul had promised Israel further weapon shipments on Wednesday, for the sole purpose of safeguarding itself against the Houthi militia in Yemen. Prior to this, he had caused a hubbub by making German weapon shipments for Israel's military operations in Gaza dependent on a legal assessment.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has recently hardened his stance towards Israel. Israel is experiencing escalating international pressure due to its severe measures in Gaza and the disastrous humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Anti-Semitism
- Jewish Life in Modern Germany: There has been a creeping sense among some Germans that Jewish life in their country may no longer have a future, due partially to increasing tensions and criticisms related to Israel.
- Rhetoric and Media Coverage: The latest rhetoric from the German government towards Israel, particularly concerning its military actions in Gaza, has been highlighted by German media. This scrutiny has led to incremental criticism and unfavorable opinions of Israel among Germans, which some argue does not equate to antisemitism, but paves the path for an unfavorable climate.
- Political Statements: Statements by German politicians, like Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, have faced criticism for potentially stoking the fire and fueling negative opinions. Wadephul spoke about "forced solidarity" and "instrumentalization" of German politics, which some see as reckless and potentially antisemitic.
- Public Opinion: Recent public opinion polls indicate that Germans' opinions of Israel have deteriorated, with a substantial portion of Germans believing that Israeli policies make Jews less likable. This shift in public sentiment can contribute to a more volatile environment for Jewish communities in Germany.
- Historical and Cultural Factors: Germany's historical legacy of National Socialism persists to affect its relationship with Jewish communities and Israel. While Germany remains committed to combatting antisemitism, the current political climate and criticisms of Israel can muddle this endeavor.
"Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, criticized Germany's pro-Palestinian movement, labeling it as anti-Semitic, citing a wave of anti-Semitism that he claims is sweeping through modern Germany and Europe. Moreover, in politics and general news, this escalating issue of anti-Semitism has been a point of debate, particularly in Germany, as Jewish folks fear for their safety and avoid donning a kippah on the streets."
"During a visit to the Holocaust Memorial, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed deep concern over the surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany and assured Israel of Germany's ongoing support. However, Saar and others argue that the rhetoric from the German government towards Israel, the scrutiny by media, some political statements, and shifts in public opinion are factors contributing to the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany, and may be fueling a climate that could further endanger Jewish communities in the country."
