German Chancellor Merz Demands Expulsion for Anti-Semitic Immigrants
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that immigrants who do not accept Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust must leave the country. He made the remarks at a reception for Jewish athletes in Berlin, who reported fears of attacks while wearing Star of David symbols. Merz invoked a 1985 speech by former President Richard von Weizsäcker on German responsibility for history.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for immigrants to leave if they reject Holocaust responsibility.
- Merz spoke at a Berlin event for Jewish athletes participating in the Maccabiah Games.
- A coach told Merz that athletes feared wearing Star of David symbols in Germany.
- Merz quoted former President Richard von Weizsäcker on responsibility for history.
- The Chancellor linked his remarks to antisemitic acts by Muslim migrants.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for immigrants who do not acknowledge Germany's historical responsibility for the Holocaust to leave the country. Speaking at a reception for Jewish athletes in Berlin, Merz stated that this responsibility applies equally to those coming to Germany from Islamic countries. "And whoever does not adhere to this must also leave our country again," he declared.
Merz made these remarks during an event for participants of the Maccabiah, the Jewish Olympic Games held in Israel. A basketball coach reportedly told Merz that the athletes feared wearing their red Maccabi training jackets, adorned with the Star of David, on the streets of Germany due to potential attacks.
In response, Merz quoted former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker from a 1985 Bundestag speech. Forty years after the end of World War II, Weizsäcker spoke about Nazi crimes and German responsibility for the systematic murder of millions of Jews, stating, "The young are not responsible for what happened then. But they are responsible for what is made of history from it."
Merz emphasized that these words are "etched in stone" for him and apply to all of German society. He added, "And I add for the occasion: This also applies to immigrants who come to Germany," referencing antisemitic offenses committed by Muslim migrants.
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