Refusing to Yield Amidst Controversy: The Left Party's Chosen Route with the Anti-Semitism Resolution
Critics slam Leftists following Jew hatred ruling
In the heat of Chemnitz, the Left Party's leadership stands firm. Despite party leader van Aken's advice, a narrow majority of delegates votes in favor of the Jerusalem Declaration to define anti-Semitism. As criticism from Jewish organizations and antisemitism advocates intensifies, the Left Party faces the fiery furnace of public scrutiny.
In the bustling halls of Chemnitz, the Left Party's annual conference is not just a gathering of political minds, but a crucible of controversy, as delegates grapple with the highly contentious issue of defining anti-Semitism. Jan van Aken, the party leader, had urged an undecided stance on the matter, aiming for a diplomatic approach that would appease both the stakeholders and the critics.
However, the decision of the majority of delegates bucked van Aken's proposal by adopting the Jerusalem Declaration, a perspectival shift that clashes with the commonly accepted definition of anti-Semitism in Germany. The Central Council of Jews, the nation's leading Jewish advocacy group, spares no words regarding their disdain.
"The Left Party reveals its true colors - not on the side of Jewish women and men in Germany," said Central Council President Josef Schuster, speaking out against the resolution passed by the Left Party. The debate centers on what types of criticisms of Israel are viewed as anti-Semitic.
Bitter Internal Strife
The turmoil brews from within the party, with deep-seated concerns echoed by Thuringia state parliamentarian of the Left Party, Katharina König, who laments the decision as "A fatal resolution" on Bluesky. Martina Renner, a former federal parliamentarian, writes that the resolution is not about definitions but about being able to exempt individuals and entities from the anti-Semitism charge to maintain cooperative relationships.
Disagreement Over Definition
While the Jerusalem Declaration, drafted by academics as an alternative to the commonly used IHRA definition, does not explicitly reference Israel, it defines anti-Semitism as discriminatory, prejudicial, hostile, or violent targeting of Jewish individuals or institutions. The IHRA definition, on the other hand, includes the perception of Jews as a hateful group, which can extend to people, institutions, or Israel when Israel is seen as a Jewish collective.
The authors of the Jerusalem Declaration argue that the IHRA definition is open to various interpretations and detrimental to combating antisemitism. They seek to tighten the definition of anti-Semitism.
A Gateway for Authoritarian Actions?
The party conference resolution, driven by internal complaints that the Left Party did not condemn Israel's aggressive actions in the Gaza war strongly enough, accuses the IHRA definition of serving as a "gateway for authoritarian, state action." Critics from the Central Council counter this view, stating that the Left Party's disregard for the IHRA definition signifies a radical core within the party with antisemitic undertones.
A Setback for Party Leader Jan van Aken
For van Aken, the conflict represents a significant setback. Having witnessed the devastating attacks by Hamas terrorists in 2023 and advocating for a measured stance on criticizing Israel, van Aken had painstakingly negotiated a compromise line for the party on the Middle East conflict. However, with Saturday's decision, the party congress voices their disagreement, making it clear that the Jerusalem Declaration is the preferred route for the Left Party.
The Left Party's controversial move in Chemnitz serves as a reminder that the boundaries between free speech and antisemitism can be blurry, igniting passions and confrontations among political groups and individuals alike. As the party grapples with the fallout from the decision, the question lingers on whether the Left Party will find harmony with Jewish organizations and antisemitism advocates or if they will continue on this contentious path.
Follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Tap to WhatsApp us Link/Email us/Print this article/Copy Link: The Left Party and the Antisemitism Debate
- The European Parliament and the Council, along with various Jewish organizations and antisemitism advocates, have criticized the Left Party's adoption of the Jerusalem Declaration as the party's official stance on defining anti-Semitism.
- The European Union's general-news and crime-and-justice outlets have reported on the Left Party's controversial move in Chemnitz, with issues surrounding free speech and antisemitism coming to the fore.
- By adopting the Jerusalem Declaration, despite Party Leader Jan van Aken's advice, the Left Party has initiated a debate that questions whether the IHRA definition is excessively broad or an essential tool in combating antisemitism.
- The dpa, a leading news agency from Germany, has reported on the internal strife within the Left Party, with some delegates like Katharina König and Martina Renner expressing dissatisfaction with the resolution that clashes with the commonly accepted definition of anti-Semitism in Germany.
