Unwavering Support for Israel and a Clear Stance against Anti-Semitism in Germany
Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament is determined to send a powerful message of support for Israel's right to exist and a firm stand against anti-Semitism. Philippe Fernis, the FDP parliamentary group leader, expressed his concern over the growing instances of anti-Semitism since the beginning of the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler and Pia Schellhammer from the SPD, along with Graüne's Pia Schellhammer and CDU's Martin Brandl, unequivocally condemned the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th. Brandl called for a clear stance against anti-Semitism from Islamic associations in Rhineland-Palatinate and a definitive commitment to Israel's right to exist.
The two-day debate in Mainz's state parliament commenced with the agenda item "Never again is now - We stand with Israel." Key figures such as State Parliament President Hendrik Hering, Minister President Malu Dreyer (both SPD) and parliamentary group chairs will address this significant topic.
The state parliament will also scrutinize a state law concerning the agreements between Rhineland-Palatinate and the State Association of Jewish Communities of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Jewish Community of Mainz-Rheinhessen. This law focuses on increased state funding, primarily to support Israel's existence.
German political parties and the government have responded to the growing anti-Semitism issues with resolute measures. The Bundestag, the federal parliament, has passed a motion to combat antisemitism and hostility towards Israel in schools and universities, targeting the increase in pro-Hamas demonstrations and antisemitic incidents.
The federal government has also increased its funding for research on antisemitism and contemporary Jewish studies and ensured cooperation with Israeli science. German politicians and officials have vowed to halt the activities of groups promoting antisemitism, such as the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.
Security measures have been enhanced to ensure the safety of Jews at universities, as well as in other educational institutions. Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, recognizes the importance of combating antisemitism, calling antisemitic behavior "shameful" in light of the Jewish community's ongoing struggle against discrimination.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ukrainian people in Germany while working towards addressing the slow integration process for this vulnerable community.
