German Officials and Experts Discuss Rising Antisemitism and Threats to Jewish Life

A panel discussion titled "The New Old Madness, Modern Jew-Hatred" was held in the Bavarian State Parliament, initiated by State Parliament President Ilse Aigner. The event, moderated by Ilanit Spinner, addressed the increasing threats to Jewish life in Germany and the responsibilities of politics and society. Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier was quoted stating that Germany can only be whole when Jews feel completely at home and safe.

Ilse Aigner directly addressed Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Israelite Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, acknowledging her lifelong commitment to reconciliation despite ongoing threats. Aigner declared that Jew-hatred has deeply infiltrated society, stating, "Our democracy has a disgrace. It has penetrated the fabric, Jew-hatred." She lamented that the historical commitment of "Never again" is "unfortunately dead," as antisemitic incidents are registered daily.

Charlotte Knobloch highlighted that Jews constitute only about 0.25% of Germany's population, calling persistent Jew-hatred a "madness" that transcends borders. She noted that antisemitism begins not only with overt threats but also with seemingly harmless questions and appropriation. Knobloch stressed that combating modern Jew-hatred requires binding measures and broad societal consensus, not just words. She expressed disappointment with the lack of empathy and solidarity for Israel following the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, observing that Jew-hatred has instead increased.

Sociologist Armin Nassehi suggested that antisemitism is strongest among those struggling with their own identity and position in the world, where Israel becomes a symbol of the West due to anti-Western sentiments. Film producer Alice Brauner-Zechbauer shared experiences of losing friends and colleagues, feeling compelled to justify the Israeli government, and concluded that "the culture of remembrance has failed."

The discussion also focused on antisemitism in academic circles. Jessica Flaster, chairwoman of the Association of Jewish Students in Bavaria, reported that Jewish students fear wearing their Star of David openly and sometimes deny their identity, with many lecturers overwhelmed by the problem. Ludwig Spaenle, the state government's antisemitism commissioner, noted that Jews are increasingly held responsible for Israel's policies and that antisemitism is no longer confined to the fringes. He pointed to new legislation and designated officials at state prosecutor's offices to combat racism and antisemitism, emphasizing that legal vacuums must not exist.

All participants agreed that Jewish life must be visible and fear-free in Germany. Knobloch appealed to legal professionals to address Jew-hatred and existing legal loopholes more intensely, while also calling for stronger action in education to prevent schools from tolerating antisemitic harassment of Jewish children. Nassehi mentioned the university's efforts, including its antisemitism commissioner, acknowledging that subtle antisemitic remarks are difficult to prosecute legally.