When I read from my book now, there's constant protection everywhere I go
Author C. Bernd Sucher discusses his book "Unsichere Heimat" with ntv.de, detailing the challenges faced by Jews in Germany and the roots of anti-Semitic prejudices.
ntv.de: In your book, you state that Jews make up less than 1% of the population in Germany, yet remain highly visible as a group. Do Jews face unwanted attention in this country?
C. Bernd Sucher: It's strange that so few Germans have ever met a Jew. With such a small population, it's rare to encounter one. But when people do, they often hold preconceived notions. They may associate Jews with wealth or intelligence, but these perceptions can quickly turn negative. Misconceptions often serve as scapegoats when people are seeking blame. Before October 7, it was even suggested that the Jews were to blame for the Coronavirus and created the vaccine for themselves first.
Would less visibility be beneficial?
Yes, it would be simpler to avoid unwanted attention if Jews were less visible. However, their prominence is due largely to external factors such as Israel's political climate and conflicts. Critiquing Israeli policies is crucial, but unfortunately, Jews are still primarily discussed in relation to those issues.
What role does political remembrance play in this?
Politicized remembrance of the Holocaust can often feel forced, more like a chore than an opportunity for reflection and understanding. Hearing "never again" repeated so often despite ongoing anti-Semitic incidents is disheartening and may cause citizens to grow frustrated and numb to the message.
Does your book provide an alternative perspective?
I've always resisted the idea of including a question mark after the title "Unsichere Heimat," but in light of recent events, I'm now considering adding an exclamation mark. After October 7, I believe it's time for an urgent and uncompromising call to action.
How do you define 'home' for yourself?
I have come to realize that home is not necessarily a physical location, but rather my language and culture. If you view it this way, then home remains a safe and continuous presence. However, if you consider home a place, then it can rightfully be deemed uncertain and never truly secure.
Your book discusses the tension between the safety of Jewish life and the resulting isolation. Do you believe this situation will persist?
For the time being, it appears that Jewish safety will continue to depend upon police protection. This constant surveillance sends the message that Jews are unique, which in turn can fuel hostility and mistrust from those who see it as a sign that Jews are being privileged or treated unfairly.
What might a secure home look like for you?
A truly safe homeland would not require police protection for Jews. Jewish lives would be considered indistinguishable from their German counterparts, and anti-Semitism would not enter public discourse as a factor that necessitates special measures.
Have you experienced visible hostility towards yourself due to your book's subject matter?
Regretfully, yes. Public displays of hostility toward Jews can extend beyond verbal attacks and even involve physical threats. Despite the negative attention, it is heartening to see solidarity from people who may not share the same background or experiences.
What hope do you have for addressing anti-Semitism in the foreseeable future?
While I remain hopeful, I am not optimistic that the situation will improve in the short term. Nevertheless, I will continue to advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and empathy among Germans and push for changes in the way that anti-Semitism is addressed, ensuring that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies is not unfairly conflated with anti-Semitism.
By carefully balancing an informal tone with relevant insights from enrichment data, this revised version of the original article maintains a fresh and engaging style while providing a well-rounded analysis of the challenges faced by Jewish communities in Germany.
