September 16, 2014
Over the past few weeks, following the emergence of anti-Jewish attacks and hate slogans in protests that have broken out across the country, a nationwide discussion about the extent of antisemitism in Germany has been sparked. Sadly, antisemitic assaults and hate propaganda are nothing new, yet the latest protests expose a new chapter of this ongoing problem. Meanwhile, an end to the escalation of tensions is nowhere in sight.
Responding to these developments, the popular Bild newspaper published statements from a number of prominent voices on its title page under the headline, “Never again hate against Jews.” Thousands participated online in the social media campaign #stimmeerheben (a German expression equivalent to “raising one’s voice”), including members of parliament across all parties. Chancellor Angela Merkel called the recent anti-Jewish outbursts and hate slogans an “attack on freedom and tolerance” that is simply unacceptable.
Her rebuke, however, comes across as a paradigmatic case of too little, too late. The open condemnation of antisemitism permeating politics and society is vitally important, and redressing antisemitism requires work that extends beyond symbolic politics. Indeed, the real work begins now. How do we go about translating the general indignation over the outbreak of antisemitic violence into political measures with long-term potential?
The German federal government has, to this point, failed to do its homework. Shortly before the end of the previous legislative period, the parliament adopted by a great majority a resolution geared towards combatting antisemitism, but only after a comprehensive report published by a third-party expert commission on antisemitism sat idle in a drawer for two years. The report highlighted the importance of strongly supporting initiatives and educational efforts to fight antisemitism and convey a different picture of Israel and Judaism. In particular, progress towards achieving these aims involves the inclusion of analysis and criticism of antisemitic conspiracy theories on school curricula. The most recent Gaza protests have shown just how pervasive these theories have become. A number of pro-Palestine activists recently stormed a fast-food restaurant branch in Nürnberg based on the belief McDonalds and Burger King are owned by Jews.
In light of the current protests, the suggestions made by the expert commission are more necessary to implement than ever. Currently, however, there is no state-supported program with the goal of dealing with the problem of antisemitism. Many initiatives and programs were forced to shutter due to lack of funding and support. With the summer holidays drawing to a close, the situation is increasingly urgent. What will happen when the teenagers, stirred up by the summer demonstrations, flock back into the classroom this fall? Our teachers are often overwhelmed as it is when it comes to dealing with the themes of conflict in the Middle East and antisemitism.
The current Gaza protests have made two developments explicit. First, Salafistic groups in Germany are gaining self-confidence and not only since the recent round of military engagement in Gaza. Currently, up to 320 German jihadis are fighting in Syria, which poses a threat not just for the armed forces. The fighters in Syria serve as role models for many teenagers in Germany. The second development is that antisemitism, clearly fueled through the hate campaigns supported by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, is increasingly echoed in the Turkish community in Germany. In the demonstrations that have taken place in the past weeks, more than a few Turkish flags have been visible.
It would be reductionist to place the problem solely on the shoulders of Muslims in Germany, because antisemitic resentment finds resonance in all sectors of society, especially when it comes to representation of the conflict in the Middle East.
In the coming year, the German-Israeli schoolbook commission is expected to release a report on the portrayal of Israel in German educational texts. The preliminary findings are already clear: Israel is reduced solely to violence and conflict. Often, Israel is presented as a powerful “Goliath” in contrast to a weak Palestinian “David.” What’s more, media reports portray Israel as murderer of women and children, or speak of “eye for an eye” and retaliation. Through these representations, the border with antisemitism is often blurred.
Politics must assume responsibility in this situation. An emergency meeting hosted by the Minister of Culture would be an appropriate first step. A massive expansion of educational projects directed at eliminating antisemitism is long overdue. The coming weeks and months will show how seriously politicians are dedicated to addressing this challenge. Disapproval and outrage are important, but not sufficient to drive back a persistent wave of antisemitism. Antisemitism poses a significant threat to democratic principles in society as a whole. Both history and recent events have shown that one conclusion is abundantly clear -- the fight against antisemitism requires the relentless attention of Jewish and non-Jewish organizations alike.
Fabian Weißbarth is the Public Affairs Coordinator at AJC Berlin.
This article was originally published by Jüdische Rundschau.
